Tag: Shahid Afridi

  • ‘When I first saw Shahid Afridi’: Wasim Akram pens heartfelt note for Afridi

    ‘When I first saw Shahid Afridi’: Wasim Akram pens heartfelt note for Afridi

    Shahid Afridi, one of the most popular cricketers of this era, bid goodbye to his career in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) due to long-lasting back pain. Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram penned a heartfelt note for his former colleague.

    In his tweet, Wasim shared the first memory of Afridi: “The first time I saw @SAfridiOfficial was in the nets in 1996 and he impressed us, apart from his bowling, with his batting. He smashed the then fastest hundred and became a big mega star. Had won Pakistan so many matches and is hugely popular.”

    He further wished him luck for his future and praised Afridi for his various match-winning performances.

    Former pace ace Shoaib Akhtar tweeted: “Araam kero Lala. Is umar main ye ishq nahi asaan.” (Take a break Lala, it is hard to have a love for the game at this age.)

    Other cricketers like Rumman Raees and Anwar Ali Khan also took to their social media to share their thoughts about Shahid Afridi and prayed for his health.

    Earlier, pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi while replying to Shahid Afridi’s tweet in which he said goodbye to PSL, said that Afridi’s presence will be missed in the PSL. He added that Afridi is the “pride of Pakistan” and wished him to get well soon.

    Quetta Gladiators’ Afridi played his last PSL game against Islamabad United on February 12 where he got two wickets for 27 runs in his four overs and ran Azam Khan out with a direct hit.

  • Did Shahid Afridi’s daughter send flowers, balloon to Shaheen Afridi on Valentine’s Day?

    Did Shahid Afridi’s daughter send flowers, balloon to Shaheen Afridi on Valentine’s Day?

    Lahore Qalandars’ skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi received a bouquet of red roses and flowers with a “Happy Valentine’s Day” card and a balloon on Valentine’s Day evening and the cricketer shared a snippet of the gift with a caption: “Thank you my love.”

    Now the social media users are wondering if the flowers and the balloon were sent by former cricketer Shahid Afridi’s daughter, who is engaged to Shaheen Afridi.

    https://twitter.com/Its_meHamid/status/1492960773739782144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1492960773739782144%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.geo.tv%2Flatest%2F399083-shaheen-shah-afridis-valentines-day-gift-what-is-twitter-thinking

    Shaheen-led Qalandars on Monday defeated Quetta Gladiators in the 20th match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022 by eight wickets and Shaheen not only received flowers and balloon but he also bagged the Player of the Match award for his exceptional spell in which he conceded only 27 runs in four overs. Not only this but he managed to take Quetta’s batters Jason Roy and James Vince’s crucial wickets on duck.

    The 21-year-old pacer will marry Shahid Afridi’s daughter. The news was confirmed by both families last year.

  • ‘Cannot bear it anymore’: Shahid Afridi bids goodbye to PSL

    ‘Cannot bear it anymore’: Shahid Afridi bids goodbye to PSL

    Quetta Gladiators’ veteran Shahid Afridi has announced his exit from the remainder of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022, citing a back injury that has gone to an “intolerable” level.

    In a video message posted on his YouTube channel, Lala said he had been carrying his lower-back injury for more than 15 years, adding it was now causing unbearable pain to his entire body.

    “Goodbye to PSL. My body is in serious pain,” wrote Afridi in his tweet.

    https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial/status/1492780664940281857?t=Q4xSmvTQgjizDpWsFwYYSw&s=19

    “I cannot bear it anymore,” Afridi said.

    The star-allrounder thanked Gladiators’ owner Nadeem Omar for his all-out support to him.

    “I want to apologise to fans for not being able to play the entire PSL and sign off on a good note”.

    He hoped to undergo the rehabilitation process and expressed his desire to return to the Kashmir Premier League (KPL) and other T10 leagues in time to come.

    Afridi said his welfare foundation was his “second innings and the most important one” to him.

    He urged fans to pray for his health. “With the grace of God, I will appear in another league [soon],” said the former captain.

    In his last game against Islamabad United yesterday, Afridi bowled four overs and got two wickets for 27 runs. However, he was yet to bat when the team chased down the 205-run target with the loss of five wickets.

    He also had back issue in the same match. After he picked up Muhammad Akhlaq’s wicket, Afridi did his signature pose and leaned back, his back started hurting and it was evident as he applied pressure and bent forward to ease the pain.

    It is pertinent to mention here that this was the last PSL season for Afridi as he had announced it last year.

    Afridi last played international cricket more than five years ago, but continued to take part in the PSL ever since its inception. He led Zalmi in the first season and was part of the team that won the title the following year.

    Pakistan Cricket team’s front line pacer and Afridi’s son-in-law to-be Shaheen Shah Afridi took to Twitter and wrote: “Your presence will be missed in the PSL Lala @SAfridiOfficial. You are the pride of Pakistan for a reason. Get well soon. #HopeNotOut #Forever”

  • Shoaib Akhtar believes Shahid Afridi will ‘100 per cent step into politics’

    Shoaib Akhtar believes Shahid Afridi will ‘100 per cent step into politics’

    Former speedster Shoaib Akhtar has said that former all-rounder of Pakistan cricket team Shahid Afridi will follow the steps of Imran Khan and step into politics.

    Speaking on Geo News programme ‘Jashan-e-Cricket’, Akhtar, who has earlier said he would have a huge vote bank if he contests elections, stated his mother had prohibited him from entering into politics.

    While he said that he is 100 per cent sure that Afridi will step into politics following PM Khan.

    Talking about the Pakistan Super League (PSL), he said he will turn it into an even bigger brand than the Indian Premier League (IPL) if he becomes the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

    He also urged the Lahore Qalandars’ management to sell the franchise to him. “If I played PSL, I would opt to play for Lahore Qalandars.”

    The former cricketer advised PM Imran Khan and the government on some political issues recently, including focusing on fixing “the problems of old Pakistan” instead of focusing on Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari and on the Murree tragedy.

    The former pacer also predicted that the Qalandars, who are currently in a fine position, will get into a difficult situation in PSL seven’s Lahore leg.

  • Is Shahid Afridi going to cook in his restaurant ‘Lala Darbar’?

    Is Shahid Afridi going to cook in his restaurant ‘Lala Darbar’?

    Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has announced that he will be opening a restaurant, ‘Lala Darbar’, in Dubai. He has also shared a video in which he can be seen wearing an apron and slicing tomatoes.

    Sharing the video, Afridi wrote: “One step closer to the big announcement. Revealing Soon.”

    Afridi further added: “Get ready to give your taste buds a mouth-watering triple tarka!”

    Afridi asked his followers to follow it on social media and he also revealed that the restaurant will be in Dubai.

    This is not the first time that the former all-rounder has tried a venture. He had opened a restaurant ‘Splice’ in Lahore and earlier in March 2021, he had also launched a range of skincare products. Announcing the news on social media, Afridi shared that the new line, from the world of Hope Care, is named ‘Ooh Lala‘.

    Besides this new skincare line, Afridi also has a clothing brand, ‘Hope Not Out’.

  • ‘Nothing compares to what Roy delivered for us,’ Shahid Afridi on Roy’s innings for Quetta

    ‘Nothing compares to what Roy delivered for us,’ Shahid Afridi on Roy’s innings for Quetta

    Former Pakistan captain of Pakistan cricket team Shahid Afridi, who is currently representing Quetta Gladiators in the seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), praised Jason Roy’s magnificent 116-runs knock against Lahore Qalandars on Monday.

    Taking to Twitter, Afridi lauded the outstanding knock that steered the Gladiators to the victory in the 15th match of the PSL 7. The match was the last of the Karachi leg.

    “I have seen some amazing innings in the PSL, but nothing compares to what [Jason Roy] delivered for us,” the star all-rounder wrote.

    Roy, who played his first match of the PSL 7 last night, stormed himself into the record book as the batter smashed the second-fastest century of the PSL. He took just 49 balls to reach the triple-figures.

    In his astonishing inning, the right-handed batter smashed 11 boundaries and eight sixes. He also scored the third-highest individual score of the PSL history, scoring 116, led by the then Karachi Kings’ batter Colin Ingram, who scored an unbeaten 127 against the Gladiators.

    West Indian legend Sir Vivian Richards also praised the batter for his innings.

    Taking to Twitter, Roy wrote: “That one felt extremely special. Thank you to everyone for the kind words and support. @TeamQuetta @thePSLt20.”

  • Pakistani sportsmen extend support to Kashmiris as Pakistan observes Kashmir Solidarity Day

    Pakistani sportsmen extend support to Kashmiris as Pakistan observes Kashmir Solidarity Day

    The nation on Saturday observed Kashmir Solidarity Day and expressed solidarity with the people of Kashmir. Pakistani sportsmen, including cricketer Shahid Afridid and boxer Mohammad Waseem extended their support to the people of Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK) who are living under atrocities of Indian government and army.

    Taking to Twitter, Shahid Afridi shared poetry and wrote: “On this #KashmirDay, I stand with all my brothers and sisters who continue to fight for their rights and freedom as a Nation. May Allah give us the strength to facilitate our brethren in need.”

    https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial/status/1489887400167985156?t=WKu7bjfWSQHdFfHi5_28mA&s=19

    Similarly, boxer Mohammad Waseem took to Twitter and wrote: “I express all my support and extend sincerest prayers for the courageous people of Kashmir. May they be blessed with their much longed right of freedom and peace ameen.”

    Other Pakistani cricketers also shared their thoughts and extended solidarity with the Kashmiri people on Twitter.

    In a statement on Twitter, Prime Minister Imran Khan slammed the incumbent Indian PM Narendra Modi’s policies in IOJK and paid tributes to the Kashmiri brethren.

    “It is time the world takes notice of India’s grave human rights violations in IIOJK which include crimes against humanity, war crimes & genocidal acts as well as the threat of forced demographic change,” he said in a series of tweets.

  • EXCLUSIVE: Afridi denies rumours of request to be rested

    EXCLUSIVE: Afridi denies rumours of request to be rested

    Pakistan’s star all-rounder Shahid Afridi has denied the rumours of his request of being given rest. Earlier, The News reported that Afridi had requested Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) franchise Quetta Gladiators to give him rest for some days after a bad spell against Islamabad United on Thursday.

    Shahid Afridi told The Current that he has not asked to be rested, in fact, he is anxiously looking forward to the next matches.

    Afridi had conceded 67 runs in a four-over spell against Islamabad United on Thursday and became the most expensive bowling figure in the history of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

    Earlier, Islamabad United’s Zafar Gohar held the record of conceding the most runs, 65.

    It was also reported that Afridi did not attend the practice session at the High-Performance Centre, the report added.

    On February 3, Afridi, who had returned to the squad after completing Covid-19 isolation, could not bowl up to mark.

    Read More – Shahid Afridi recovers from Covid-19, announce Quetta Gladiators

    The former Pakistan skipper bowled a total of four overs, where he conceded 67 runs and managed to take only one wicket. His most expensive over was the last over (20th), where he conceded 20 runs.

    It should be noted that this was Afridi’s first match of his farewell PSL, after missing the initial games due to Covid-19, but was thrashed by the United batters Colin Munro and Azam Khan during his four-over spell.

    Twitterati extended support to the all-round cricketer.

    https://twitter.com/mmustafa_abid/status/1489307976364175365?t=dHvv5PdY5wu5V5b6qVoVdw&s=19
  • Shahid Afridi recovers from Covid-19, announce Quetta Gladiators

    Shahid Afridi recovers from Covid-19, announce Quetta Gladiators

    Pakistan’s former captain Shahid Afridi has recovered from Covid-19, Quetta Gladiators’ manager Azam Khan announced on Monday.

    Khan said that Afridi will arrive at the team hotel tomorrow (Tuesday) where his rapid antigen test (RAT) will be conducted and if the test comes back negative, he will join the team in their match against Islamabad United on February 3.

    It is pertinent to mention here that Afridi’s PCR test returned negative on Sunday for the second time.

    Read More – Shahid Afridi to miss the first few matches of PSL 7 due to back injury

    A few days ago, Afridi had tested positive for the virus, after which he had to isolate himself following the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Covid-19 protocols.

    On Saturday, the Gladiators had requested the technical committee to be given Hassan Khan as a replacement for Afridi, reported The News.

    As per the media outlet, Hassan will also be available for selection for Quetta’s game against Multan Sultans today (Monday).

    The report added, if Afridi cleared his rapid antigen test, he will join the team and Hassan would return to the bubble.

  • Shahid Afridi to miss the first few matches of PSL 7 due to back injury

    Shahid Afridi to miss the first few matches of PSL 7 due to back injury

    Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, who is repsenting Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Quetta Gladiators this season, is expected to miss the first few matches of the highly-anticipated league, starting tomorrow.

    The veteran power-hitter Afridi sustained a back injury in a practice session on Tuesday. He was also not part of the training session of Quetta Gladiators. Afridi was hopeful of being fit in time for season seven but he is not 100 percent fit yet.

    As per Geo Super, Afridi requested Quetta to excuse him from the bio-secure bubble. Along with the back pain, a relative of Afridi’s wife has passed away so the cricketer has to attend to personal matters as well.

    Sarfaraz Ahmed, who will be leading Quetta, said they will use their marquee player judiciously and make sure he doesn’t aggravate his injury.

    Afridi was unavailable for the UAE-leg of the PSL 6 because of back injury while representing Multan Sultans.

    The T20 bigwig has piled up 4,395 runs in 326 matches and has maintained a stupendous strike rate of 154.21. He has shed 344 wickets in the shortest format.

    The top-flight bowling all-rounder Afridi alongside England stylish batter James Vince will play for Quetta Gladiators in PSL 2022 edition.

    Afridi played four matches for Sultans in last year’s edition that was played in Karachi and UAE. The veteran shed two wickets and made three runs.