Tag: Shahid Afridi

  • Rizwan misses ‘fighter’ Shahid Afridi ahead of PSL 7

    Rizwan misses ‘fighter’ Shahid Afridi ahead of PSL 7

    The seventh edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to kick off from January 27 and skipper of PSL franchise Multan Sultans, Mohammad Rizwan, has said that he will miss the “fighter” all-rounder Shahid Afridi.

    The phenomenal all-rounder moved to Quetta Gladiators for the PSL 7, which would be his last tournament.

    Rizwan, while speaking to Cricket Pakistan, said that the global superstar’s absence will always be felt.

    “Last year he also got injured and we missed him dearly then as well,” Rizwan said. “He is a superstar of the country and his absence is always going to be felt. I talk to him time and time again as he makes things easier.”

    The wicket-keeper-batter, who was named the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year, also recalled the time that he spent with Afridi on the pitch.

    He said that Shahid is a fighter and he plays with passion and he never gives up. “I remember we were playing a match together and we needed 120-odd runs from 50-odd balls,” he said. “Our entire top-order had collapsed and batting together with him made me realise that he never gives up. When we would meet in the middle, he would tell things we need to do to turn the match around and that, for me, defines him as a person and a player,” he added.

    Sultans will be in action against Karachi Kings in the PSL 2022 opening match, which will be played at the National Stadium Karachi tomorrow (January 27).

  • Shaheen Shah Afridi declared ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year

    Shaheen Shah Afridi declared ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year

    Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has been named as ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year. He is the first Pakistani and the youngest ever player to win the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy. Shaheen took 78 wickets in 36 internationals at an average of 22.20 with his best bowling figures of 6/51.

    The 21-year-old was on fire throughout 2021, knocking some of the best batters over across all three formats of the game. He especially had a year to remember in Tests and T20Is, reaching his peak during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in UAE where he impressed one and all with his sheer speed and skills.

    Shaheen took seven wickets in six matches during the tournament in Pakistan’s run to the semi-final. He ruled the shortest format throughout the calendar year, scalping 23 wickets in 21 matches with his death bowling improving rapidly.

    After a slow start to the year in Test cricket in New Zealand, Afridi turned the tables during the home series against South Africa. He continued his brilliant form throughout the rest of the year in the away tours of Zimbabwe, West Indies and Bangladesh. Overall, he claimed 47 wickets in only nine matches at a staggering average of 17.06.

    Afridi’s perfect spell against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 was the cherry on the top, taking 3 wickets of just 31 runs. Afridi sent then captain Virat Kohli, openers KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma to the pavillion.

    Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), taking to Twitter, said: “incredible3 The world of cricket is richer and so watchable because of you. A proud moment for the fans who through you can now see a new beginning… @iMRizwanPak @babarazam258 @iShaheenAfridi @ICCAwards.”

    Several people congratulated the cricketer on his achievement, including the PCB and former captain Shahid Afridi.

    https://twitter.com/AhmadDaniyal33/status/1485549184858136583?s=20

  • Shahid Afridi comments on Virat Kohli’s decision of resigning as Test captain

    Shahid Afridi comments on Virat Kohli’s decision of resigning as Test captain

    A day after India’s 2-1 Test series defeat against South Africa, Virat Kohli took to social media platforms and announced his resignation as Test captain. Many believe that Kohli still could have continued at the position for few more years. However, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi does not agree. According to him, Kohli made the right decision as an individual is not able to cope up with much pressure after a certain stage.

    Read More – Anushka’s love message for Virat after Test captaincy resignation, Bollywood stars react

    Afridi believes Kohli has made a good decision to step down from the captaincy as it provides an opportunity for him to focus on his batting. Kohli had been struggling to perform up to his usual standards over the past couple of years.

    “It’s fine in my opinion. Virat has played enough cricket and led the team well. And I believe this is the correct decision. There comes a stage where you can’t handle pressure, and because of it, your own performances get affected. So, I think he has captained for a long time and at a great level. As a batsman, it’s time he enjoys his cricket,” Afridi said on Samaa Tv.

    The incredible batter has been unable to score an international century since 2019.

    The 33-year-old cricketer will be seen in action against South Africa in the upcoming ODI series. The batter was rumored to miss the ODI series but he later confirmed his availability for the series.

  • Shaheen Afridi on controlling his anger during a match

    Shaheen Afridi on controlling his anger during a match

    Pakistan Cricket team frontline pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has recently talked about controlling his anger on the pitch during a match. Fast bowlers are known for their aggression and newly appointed Lahore Qalandars captain shared how he controls his anger after being given a leadership role.

    Talking to the media after a training session for the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) seventh edition, Shaheen said: “I must maintain my composure while working diligently to enhance my performance. If my performance improves, I will then be able to speak to others regarding their performance.”

    The 21-year-old speedster stated that as a captain, he makes sure that the entire team follows suit. “The responsibility increases,” he said, adding that while there is no pressure, the responsibility must still be taken up by the captain.

    “I am receiving a lot of assistance from Muhammad Hafeez. He is a senior member of the team. I ask him and learn what is favourable for me,” said the fast bowler.

    Speaking about the Lahore Qalandars’ pre-camp, Afridi stated that the camp was helpful because it allowed him to gain a better understanding of the players and their personal qualities, as well as to better understand him.

    Meanwhile, Afghan star Rashid Khan while talking to a private news channel, said that he is excited to play under Afridi’s leadership. “I will try to help him control his emotions during the match since he is also a Pathan,” he said.

    Rashid further added: “I will guide him on the field using my experience of leading Afghanistan in the past.”

    Last year in December, the pacer was appointed as the captain of the PSL franchise Lahore Qalandars ahead of the seventh edition of the league.

  • ‘Memorable flashbacks’: Shahid Afridi gets nostalgic at NCA Lahore

    ‘Memorable flashbacks’: Shahid Afridi gets nostalgic at NCA Lahore

    Former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi is feeling nostalgic after a training session at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore.

    He shared that one returning to NCA after a long time evoked nostalgia and brought back many memories.

    The NCA has now been named the National High Performance Centre.

    The Pakistani all-rounder took to Twitter to say he has come to “visit NCA after a very long time” and that the visit has brought back so many “memorable flashbacks.”

    https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial/status/1481121808770285568?s=20

    NCA Lahore’s facilities, according to Afridi, are good and should be offered at other NCA training centres across the country.

    “I had my training session without authorisation, hope that’s ok?” Afridi asked, tagging the official Twitter account of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

    Afridi was Quetta Gladiators’ biggest pick during the players draft for Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022, as the 2019 winners look to win the second title when PSL 7 rolls into action on January 27.

    Both Afridi and England’s batter James Vince left Multan Sultans to join Quetta Gladiators.

  • ‘Dil jeet liya, biggest star’: Ushna Shah opens up on special travel experience with Shahid Afridi

    ‘Dil jeet liya, biggest star’: Ushna Shah opens up on special travel experience with Shahid Afridi

    Actor Ushna Shah met the star cricketer Shahid Afridi on a flight as she had been on her way to Lahore where she will take part in the shooting of her forthcoming film.

    The Parizaad diva further said she will play a leg-spinner in the upcoming movie.

    “On a flight with Shahid Afridi bhai. Hands down the biggest star in Pakistan yet so humble,” said the Balaa star in a tweet.

    “Blessed me with encouragement & duas & SO gracious & kind to everyone who would come up to him, especially children.”

    She concluded her tweet by saying, “Lala ney dil jeet liya.”

    Ushna recently filmed an advertisement with Bollywood director Anurag Kashyap and veteran actor Saba Faisal in Belarus.

    'Gangs of Wasseypur' fame Anurag Kashyap ropes in Ushna Shah, Saba Faisal in his next biggie

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  • VIDEO: Younis Khan recalls time when crowd wanted him out so Afridi could bat

    VIDEO: Younis Khan recalls time when crowd wanted him out so Afridi could bat

    An old video of Former Pakistan Cricket Team Captain Younis Khan is doing the rounds on social media in which he can be seen talking about Pakistan’s most loved cricketer Shahid Afridi and his fan following. The cricketer recalled the time when he was on the crease at 150 score and the crowd wanted him dismissed to watch Afridi play.

    In the video of an old interview, Younis shared: “I was playing on 150 and Mohammad Yousuf was playing on 170 and we were playing against India. What we were hearing from the crowd was ‘dismiss Younis Khan, dismiss Mohammad Yousuf’. Why? Because Shahid bhai had worn his pads.”

    Shahid, who was also sitting in front of him started laughing.

    Younis further added that the crowd left as soon as Afridi got out and nobody waited for his double hundred.

    “Shahid Afridi came to the crease. Hit a few sixes here and there and got out. Amazingly, the crowd left with him. They got value for their money. But here I was nearing a double hundred in front of an empty stand,” he added.

    “What we see later was that the crowd was also leaving. I stood there and wondered: my 200 is almost done, watch me do that too. No, they were like ‘we have seen Shahid bhai hitting sixes, now we are going, Goodbye’.”

    Younis did not clarify which match he was talking about but there is only one Test in Pakistan in which both he and Yousuf got hundreds against India. It took place in Lahore in 2006.

    Younis had scored 199 while Yousuf slammed 173 as Pakistan pummelled the Indian bowling attack on a flat track. They ended up scoring 679/7 batting first.

    Afridi, however had smashed a hundred in that match. The attacking all-rounder hit 7 sixes in his 80-ball 103.

  • Shahid Afridi believes Hafeez wanted to play more cricket for Pakistan

    Shahid Afridi believes Hafeez wanted to play more cricket for Pakistan

    Former captain of the Pakistan cricket team Shahid Afridi has said that he believes Mohammad Hafeez, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket, wanted to play more cricket for Pakistan.

    While speaking on Samaa TV’s show Game Set Match, Afridi said that there is a communication gap between PCB and the players.

    “I was listening to his [Hafeez] statement and it was clear from his body language that he wanted to play more cricket for Pakistan rather than leaving early,” said Afridi.

    “I always talk about the communication gap between the PCB and players and I have a strong feeling that the same was the case with Hafeez. Although, it was good to see that he didn’t turn that into a major issue,” he added.

    Afridi also heaped praise on Hafeez over a great international career.

    “I would like to congratulate Hafeez, his family and parents. Hafeez had an outstanding career and he gave many match-winning performances,” he said.

    Hafeez announced his retirement from international cricket 18 years after making his debut in Sharjah against Zimbabwe on 3 April 2003.

    Hafeez represented Pakistan in 392 international matches, scoring 12,780 runs and taking 253 wickets, besides also captaining the side in 32 international matches.

  • Shahid Afridi has a message for people who do celebratory gunfire on New Year

    Shahid Afridi has a message for people who do celebratory gunfire on New Year

    Former Pakistan Cricket Team Captain Shahid Afridi has urged Pakistanis to refrain from celebratory gunfire on New Year’s.

    Afridi, who is also the Director Sports of Samaa News, gave this message to his fans on the channel.

    The aerial gunfire on New Year’s night is so prevalent that the state machinery has been overwhelmed.

    Karachi District South Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) Zubair Nazir is part of a police campaign against celebratory gunfire, which has already been declared illegal.

    “On the behalf of the Addtional IG Karachi and the South Police, I request all of you that please don’t celebrate the New Year in a way that leads to the loss of so many lives because of gunfire,” Afridi said in a video message.

    “Celebrate the New Year with love and by caring about each other,” he said.

    Veteran Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram also took to his social media to urge people to stop gun-firing on New Year.

    Celebratory gunfire has become a trend in Pakistan in the recent years. This has also become a reason of infinite deaths every year.

  • ‘Karachi walon’: Shahid Afridi has a message for Karachiites

    ‘Karachi walon’: Shahid Afridi has a message for Karachiites

    Former Pakistan cricket team captain Shahid Afridi has a message for Karachiites after some good weather in the city.

    Taking to his social media accounts, Shahid wrote: “Karachi walon!!! Weather enjoy karo aur safe raho. (People of Karachi!!! Enjoy the weather and be safe.)”

    In one of the pictures, Afridi can be seen enjoying the cloudy view with a tea mug in his hand. In another picture, he can be seen driving around the city with his daughter in the car beside him.

    The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast intermittent rains in Karachi later today after morning showers turned the weather cold.

    Weather experts said that the thunder cells, present over the coastal belt of Balochistan, were heading towards Karachi.