Tag: Shahid Afridi

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has expressed deep concern and extended his support for former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran, who is currently in critical condition in the hospital.

Afridi shared an emotional message on the social media platform X, revealing that he had spoken to Zadran’s brother and was deeply saddened upon learning about the former pacer’s health.

“Had a heartfelt call with Shapoor Zadran’s brother today. Truly saddened to hear about his condition. You’ve always been a fighter on the field, and I know you’ll fight this too. Praying for your speedy recovery,” Afridi wrote.

According to recent reports, the 38-year-old has been admitted to intensive care following a serious medical complication.

Updates from family members suggest his condition remains extremely critical, with doctors closely monitoring his progress during crucial periods of treatment.

Zadran, a left-arm pacer, represented Afghanistan in 44 One Day Internationals and 36 T20 Internationals, picking up 43 and 37 wickets respectively.

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He also featured in franchise cricket, including the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where he claimed 10 wickets in eight appearances.

Over the course of a career spanning more than a decade, Zadran played a significant role in Afghanistan’s rise on the international stage.

He was part of multiple ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squads and etched his name in history during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he scored the winning runs in Afghanistan’s first-ever victory in the tournament.

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Adam Zampa has revealed his all-time favourite Pakistani cricketer, naming legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi as the player who left the biggest impression on him growing up.

Currently featuring for Karachi Kings in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, the Australian leg-spinner shared his admiration during a recent podcast appearance, recalling how Afridi’s fearless style shaped his early love for the game.

“I just loved watching Shahid Afridi, not even because he was a leg-spinner, but because of the way he swung his bat,” Zampa said on ARY Podcast.

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“When I was a kid, I always wanted to be a batter. The way he entertained people really stood out.”

Zampa also highlighted a current star who has caught his attention during the PSL, Shaheen Shah Afridi. The leg-spinner, who recently faced Shaheen in a PSL fixture, was full of praise for the left-arm pacer’s match-winning ability and on-field presence.

“One player I really enjoy watching is Shaheen Afridi. I played against him recently, and he was outstanding, took four wickets and maintained great rhythm,” Zampa noted.

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“It always feels like something is happening when he’s bowling.”

Adam Zampa further underlined Shaheen’s ability to consistently trouble batters, describing him as a bowler with both skill and instinct.

“He clearly knows what he’s doing and has a real knack for taking wickets. Facing him isn’t easy, most of the time, you’re just trying not to get hurt,” he added with a smile.

READ: Adam Zampa reveals why he opted for PSL instead of IPL

LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has weighed in on the ongoing debate over alleged fines imposed on national team players following their disappointing campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

In a recent interview with a local news channel, Afridi suggested that sending underperforming players back to first-class cricket and allowing them adequate rest would be a more effective response than imposing financial penalties.

“They are thinking small, wondering what can be done with 5 million. In my opinion, this isn’t really a fine,” Afridi stated.

“Those who haven’t performed should be sent to first-class cricket. There are some players whom I believe shouldn’t come back for at least 2 years. In my view, these punishments are enough.”

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He also emphasised the importance of making team adjustments and managing players’ workloads rather than relying solely on fines.

“Those who need rest should be given rest, and changes should be made within the players. These punishments are sufficient; the 5 million is enough. And as far as I know, no official statement has come from the PCB regarding this,” Afridi added.

Afridi’s remarks come in the wake of media reports claiming that Pakistan’s squad, which exited the T20 World Cup after failing to reach the semi-finals, has been fined Rs5 million per player for underperformance.

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Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi on Monday weighed in on the federal government’s decision to boycott the national team’s group-stage clash against arch-rivals India in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

On Sunday, the government confirmed that Pakistan will participate in the 20-team tournament but will not take the field against India on 15 February.

The decision came shortly after a key meeting between Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, following which the final stance regarding Pakistan’s participation and match commitments was clarified.

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Reacting to the development, Shahid Afridi took to the social media platform X and reiterated his long-standing view that cricket has historically served as a bridge between nations even when political ties remain strained.

“I’ve always believed cricket can open doors when politics closes them. It’s regrettable that Pakistan won’t play India at the T20 World Cup, but I stand behind my government’s decision,” Afridi wrote.

The former all-rounder also urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take responsibility and demonstrate fairness through action, not just statements.

“This is the moment for the ICC to lead and prove, through decisions rather than statements, that it is committed to fairness,” he added.

READ: Pakistan squad departs for Sri Lanka to partake in T20 World Cup 2026

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has strongly criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC) for replacing Bangladesh with Scotland at the T20 World Cup 2026, calling the decision unfair and inconsistent.

The ICC on Saturday confirmed Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India, citing security concerns.

Despite several rounds of discussions, the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request to shift their matches to Sri Lanka, eventually opting to replace them with Scotland.

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Afridi voiced his disappointment through a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, questioning the ICC’s approach and accusing the governing body of applying double standards.

“As a former international cricketer who has played in Bangladesh and in ICC events, I’m deeply disappointed by today’s ICC’s inconsistency,” Afridi wrote.

The former all-rounder drew a comparison with the ICC’s stance on India’s decision not to tour Pakistan in 2025, arguing that Bangladesh deserved similar consideration.

“It accepted India’s security concerns for not touring Pakistan in 2025, yet appears unwilling to apply the same understanding to Bangladesh,” Afridi added. “Consistency and fairness are the foundation of global cricket governance.”

Shahid Afridi further stressed that the decision goes beyond administrative matters and directly affects players and supporters.

“Bangladesh’s players and millions of its fans deserve respect – not mixed standards. The ICC should build bridges, not burn them,” he concluded.

READ: Pakistan could face major penalties over T20 World Cup boycott: report

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi on Monday dismissed the need for experimentation in the national T20 side ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The mega event is slated to commence on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

Ahead of the World Cup, Pakistan will play a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka as part of their preparation.

Speaking during a local event in the metropolitan city, Afridi shared his views on the Pakistan team’s combination ahead of the World Cup.

“There is no need for further experimentation in the Pakistan cricket team ahead of the series before the World Cup. The captain should be briefed that he has to move forward with the players included in the pool,” he remarked.

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Afridi also termed the Big Bash League (BBL) an opportunity for Pakistan players to familiarise themselves with Australian conditions.

“The participation of Pakistan players in the Big Bash League is a good sign. Players will learn about Australian conditions, the 48-year-old said.

Shahid also called the Pakistan Super League (PSL) roadshow a sign of the league’s popularity and hailed its expansion as a new chapter in the country’s cricketing future.

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“The PSL is our own brand, and the inclusion of two new teams will provide more oppurtunites for players,” he concluded.

For those unaware, the 10th edition of the mega event will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with the tournament slated to run from February 7 to March 8 next year.

The event will feature 20 teams, divided into four groups of five, with the top two from each group advancing to the Super Eight stage.

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 opener will be played between Pakistan and the Netherlands, with hosts and the reigning champions India taking on the USA later in the day in Mumbai.

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Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi praised India’s talismanic batter Rohit Sharma for breaking his record of hitting the most sixes in One Day Internationals (ODIs).

A week earlier, Sharma etched his name into the history books after shattering Shahid Afridi’s record for most sixes in ODIs during the clash against South Africa.

The right-handed batter reached the landmark in his 277th match.

Most Sixes in ODIs

RG Sharma (IND): 2007–2025 — 271 inns, 11516 runs, 355 sixes

Shahid Afridi (PAK): 1996–2015 — 369 inns, 8,064 runs, 351 sixes

Chris Gayle (WI): 1999–2019 — 294 inns, 10,480 runs, 331 sixes

Sanath Jayasuriya (SL): 1989–2011 — 433 inns, 13,430 runs, 270 sixes

MS Dhoni (IND): 2004–2019 — 297 inns, 10,773 runs, 229 sixes

Afridi, who held the record for 15 years, spoke about Sharma’s ability and expressed his views on the feat.

“Records are meant to be broken, and this too is now bettered. I am happy that a player I have always liked has broken this record,” he said.

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My record of the fastest century stood for nearly 18 years, but it was finally broken. Records are set by one player, and another comes and breaks them. This is cricket,” Afridi explained.

“I played alongside Rohit for the Deccan Chargers in my only IPL season. During practice, I watched him bat, and his class impressed me. I knew he would one day play for India, and he has proved himself as a classy batter.”

The six-hitting maestro also talked about the ace duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, calling them the cornerstones of India’s batting line-up.

“It’s a fact that Virat and Rohit are the backbones of the Indian batting line-up, and the way they have played in the recent ODI series, it can confidently be said that they can play until the 2027 World Cup,” the 48-year-old said.

“You need to preserve both these players. When India face weaker teams, they can try some new players and rest Virat and Rohit,” he added.

He also slammed India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, for his decisions.

“The way Gautam started his stint, it looked like he thought whatever he says is right. But after some time, it is proven that you are not always right,” he concluded.

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RANCHI: India talismanic batter Rohit Sharma etched his name into the history books, shattering former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi’s record for most sixes in ODIs during the clash against South Africa.

The right-handed batter entered the fixture requiring three sixes to become the leading six-hitter in ODIs and achieved the landmark in his 277th match.

Rohit surpassed Afridi’s record in style with a trademark hook off  Marco Jansen, clearing long leg on the fourth ball of the 19th over. Earlier, he had struck spinner Subrayen for back-to-back sixes on the first two deliveries of the 14th over.

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The right-handed batter entered the fixture needing three sixes to become the leading six-hitter in ODIs. The 38-year-old reached the landmark in his 277th match.

Most Sixes in ODIs

RG Sharma (IND): 2007–2025 — 269 inns, 11,420 runs, 352 sixes

Shahid Afridi (PAK): 1996–2015 — 369 inns, 8,064 runs, 351 sixes

Chris Gayle (WI): 1999–2019 — 294 inns, 10,480 runs, 331 sixes

Sanath Jayasuriya (SL): 1989–2011 — 433 inns, 13,430 runs, 270 sixes

MS Dhoni (IND): 2004–2019 — 297 inns, 10,773 runs, 229 sixes

Eventually, he departed after scoring 57 off 51 balls with the help of five boundaries and three fours.

At the time of filing this story, India were cruising at 183-2 in 26 overs with Virat Kohli batting on 85*, as Ruturaj Gaiwad was out after scoring eight of 12 balls.

Playing XIs

India: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul (C), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna.

South Africa: Aiden Markram (C), Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock, Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Prenelan Subrayen, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman.

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RAWALPINDI: Pakistan star batter Babar Azam has surpassed the former captain Shahid Afridi to achieve an unwanted record in T20I cricket during the tri-series match against Zimbabwe at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

The right-handed batter, who had recently starred with a match-winning half-century in the T20I series decider against South Africa, was caught off guard by Brad Evans’ length delivery, which sharply nipped back after pitching and struck his back knee, sending him back to the pavilion without scoring.

This recent three-ball duck saw him overtake Shahid Afridi on Pakistan’s unwanted T20I ducks leaderboard.

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With this, Babar now has nine ducks in 132 T20I matches, surpassing Afridi’s eight and placing him third on Pakistan’s list of most T20I ducks, behind Umar Akmal and Saim Ayub, who each have 10.

Most Ducks for Pakistan in T20Is

• Umar Akmal – 10 ducks in 84 matches
• Saim Ayub – 10 ducks in 52* matches
• Babar Azam – 9 ducks in 132* matches
• Shahid Afridi – 8 ducks in 98 matches
• Kamran Akmal – 7 ducks in 58 matches
• Mohammad Hafeez – 7 ducks in 119 matches

Despite Babar’s duck, Pakistan chased down the 148-run target against Zimbabwe in 19.2 overs after losing five wickets.

Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan stitched a vital 61-run stand after the Green Shirts were reduced to 54-4 in 9.3 overs.

Fakhar played a 32-ball 44, which included two sixes and two fours; meanwhile, Usman remained unbeaten after a gutsy 37 off 28 with the help of three boundaries.

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Former captain and iconic all-rounder Shahid Afridi is all set to return to action as he gears up to represent Pakistan in the IMC Over-40s T20 Cricket World Cup 2025, scheduled to take place in Karachi from November 21 to December 1.

Afridi’s inclusion was officially confirmed by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), which announced his participation through a statement on Wednesday.

“The legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi is all set to don the Pakistan jersey once again, this time for the IMC Over-40s T20 Cricket World Cup 2025,” the PVCA stated.

Widely regarded as one of the most explosive batters and impactful leg-spinners in world cricket, Afridi’s presence promises to add immense star power and excitement to the veterans’ tournament.

The former captain has represented Pakistan in over 500 international matches, scoring 11,196 runs and taking 541 wickets across formats.

Known for his charisma and aggressive playing style, Afridi’s inclusion is expected to draw significant attention from cricket fans around the world.

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The Pakistan Over-40s team will be led by Abdul Razzaq, another former all-rounder, while Javed Miandad will serve as the team mentor, forming a star-studded lineup blending experience, flair, and competitive spirit.

The complete squad is set to be announced soon.

The IMC Over-40s T20 World Cup 2025 will feature 12 international teams, with 42 matches scheduled to be played across Karachi.

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