Cricket World Cup: Why Is An Old Video Of Shahid Afridi In The Limelight?

Last updated on October 19th, 2023 at 05:01 am

As the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 grabs the spotlight, an October 14 game between India and Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarat triggered a lot of controversy.

The internet was divided over the crowd behaviour where certain fans chanted “Jai Shree Ram” toward Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Rizwan as he was on his way back to the pavilion.

Amid the controversy, an old video of former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi talking about peace and keeping politics and religion apart from the game has gone viral.

“You Send The Indian Team To Pakistan, We Will Offer Them The Best-Ever Treatment”

The INDvPAK cricket rivalry has long been intense. The video is from an interview taken during the Legends League Master when India had refused to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023.

At the time, Afridi remarked: “Aap India ki team ko bhejiye to sahi, hum unhein sar ankhon par rakhenge.” Nonetheless, most of the tournament was eventually held in Sri Lanka.

The retired player, back then, also remarked the Pakistani team should refrain from travelling to India for the ICC World Cup as a response to them for not coming to Pakistan.

Retired Cricketer Announces News Of His Sister’s Demise

Eventually, Pakistan did participate in the World Cup, which is being solely hosted by India, and will next face Australia on October 20.

On Tuesday, Afridi took to social media to announce the news of his sister’s demise, dropping details of when and where the funeral will be taking place.

Earlier, the Pakistan cricket great had posted: “I’m travelling back to see you soon my love stay strong. My sister is fighting for her life right now, I request you to make Duas for her health.”

Sister’s Condition Prompted Shahid Afridi To Change Travel Plans

A number of fans took to social media to offer their condolences to Afridi following the tragedy. Her sister’s health condition prompted the retired cricketer to change his travel plans.

While Afridi returned to see his ailing sister, she sadly passed away. “Surely we belong to Allah and to him we shall return,” he wrote on X, previously known as Twitter.

“Her Namaz e Janazah will be at 17.10.2023 after Zuhur prayer at Zakariya Masjid main 26th street Khayaban e Ghalib DHA,” Afridi further mentioned.