Tag: Shahid Afridi

BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan Champions captain Mohammad Hafeez on Friday provided an update on ace all-rounder Shahid Afridi ahead of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 final against South Africa.

Former all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who is part of the Pakistan Champions squad, is yet to feature in a match due to fitness concerns.

Speaking during a media interaction ahead of the WCL 2025 final, Hafeez rued Afridi’s absence, hinting at his inclusion for the summit clash tomorrow.

“It is very unfortunate regarding him that he is still not feeling very well, but today I’m really happy that he tried his level best. He is trying every day, but if we feel that we can get an impactful contribution from him, then we will definitely consider him,” he said.

The Pakistan Champions remained unbeaten throughout the league stage fixtures, topping the points table. Green Shirts advanced to the final for the second time in the event’s history after the India Champions’ forfeiture.

“First of all, I am really proud of the efforts from each and every one during our campaign, Mohammad Hafeez stated while praising the team spirit.

Every player took responsibility and followed three important points, which were integrity, respect, and the spirit of the game. We hit all of them,” he added.

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Hafeez, who himself had a decent run with the bat, highlighted the challenge players faced and praised everyone for their contribution.

“We played excellent cricket throughout the tournament, and it was by no means fun cricket. It was very demanding, and everyone was very focused on delivering,” Hafeez said in a lighthearted manner.

One question regarding the playing XI, Hafeez said, they will finalize the lineup after assessing the conditions.

“Look, we did not assess the conditions yet. We’ll analyse the provided conditions tomorrow, and since all of our players are ready, so we will field our best composition,” Hafeez concluded.

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BIRMINGHAM: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has shared his thoughts following the cancellation of the high-stakes encounter between India vs. Pakistan Champions at the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025.

The much-awaited encounter between arch-rivals was officially cancelled just hours before the two teams were set to meet at Edgbaston on Sunday.

The organisers made the announcement through a statement posted on the tournament’s official social media platforms, confirming the cancellation of what was expected to be a marquee clash.

“We at WCL have always cherished and loved cricket, and our only aim has been to give fans some good, happy moments,” the statement read.

Now, Shahid Afridi has stated that they came to England to play cricket, noting that politics should be kept away from cricket.

“There is no fault of mine in this, and I have always advocated keeping politics away from cricket. We have come here to play cricket, and we must move forward,” he said.

“Nations that aim to achieve something in the world focus on progress and do not get bogged down by trivial matters,” Afridi added.

Former all-rounder also questioned the India Champions for not facing the Pakistan Champions, despite being aware of the tournament’s scheduling.

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“I would just like to say that one should be a good ambassador for their country, not a source of embarrassment.

We are here to play cricket. If you were not willing to play against Pakistan, you should have refused before coming here. Yet, you came, participated in practice sessions, and then on the very day, everything unfolded like this,” he said.

Shahid Afridi noted that if he had known the situation, he would not have come to the ground while emphasizing that the game is bigger than any of the players.

“If I had known that the match was being cancelled because of me, I wouldn’t have even gone to the stadium.”

“Cricket is bigger than all of us. The game comes first, even bigger than Shahid Afridi. Don’t bring politics into the sport. If someone doesn’t want to play, then let them play their own game elsewhere. Cricket is far greater than all this,” he concluded.

For the unversed, the ongoing edition marks the second installment of the WCL, following the inaugural tournament held in 2024, in which India and Pakistan competed in the final.

READ: Pakistan Champions owner reacts to WCL calling off India-Pakistan clash

BIRMINGHAM: Star all-rounder Shahid Afridi is confident that Pakistan Champions are well-equipped to go all the way in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, with the second edition of the tournament set to begin on July 18 at Edgbaston.

Pakistan Champions, who finished runners-up in the inaugural edition, will begin their 2025 campaign against England Champions in the tournament opener on Friday.

This time, Mohammad Hafeez takes over the reins from Younis Khan, who led the side to the final last year.

Speaking to a local channel during a training session at Edgbaston, Shahid Afridi praised the squad’s depth and balance and expressed optimism about their chances this season.

“We have a wonderful squad again, a very strong combination. We had a good first season, but this year we are hopeful of winning the tournament,” Afridi said.

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He also lauded the presence of relatively younger players and the idea of rotating leadership roles among former greats.

“This time, there’s more young blood, and a new captain is at the helm. Younis Khan did a great job last year, and now Hafeez will be leading the side,” he added.

The marquee Pakistan vs India clash is slated for July 20, also at Edgbaston. Shahid Afridi acknowledged that the high-stakes rivalry remains the tournament’s biggest attraction.

“Every match is important, but Pakistan vs India always carries that special energy. I’m hopeful more fans will flock to the stadiums to watch us in action,” he said.

Pakistan Champions squad for WCL 2025

Mohammad Hafeez (c), Shoaib Malik, Sohaib Maqsood, Umar Amin, Sharjeel Khan, Sarfaraz Ahmed (WK), Shahid Afridi, Asif Ali, Aamer Yamin, Wahab Riaz, Rumman Raees, Sohail Tanvir, Sohail Khan.

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Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has extended heartfelt praise to Indian cricketing legend Virat Kohli following the latter’s retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of a remarkable red-ball journey that spanned over 14 years.

Kohli, 36, brought down the curtain on his red-ball career with an emotional announcement on Instagram, reflecting on a journey that saw him become one of the greatest Test batters of his era.

Following the announcement, Shahid Afridi took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to commend Kohli’s impact on the longest format, hailing his passion, professionalism, and competitive spirit that raised the bar in modern Test cricket.

“Congratulations on a remarkable career, Virat Kohli. Your passion, intensity and professionalism set new standards in Test cricket. The purist format will miss your presence and competitive spirit,” Afridi wrote.

Having debuted in 2011, Kohli went on to represent India in 123 Tests, amassing 9,230 runs at an impressive average of over 48, including 30 centuries.

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As captain, his legacy is equally distinguished. He led India in 68 Tests from 2014 to 2022, winning 40 matches, making him the most successful Indian Test skipper in history.

In his farewell message, Kohli acknowledged the deep emotional connection he shared with the format, calling it the most testing and transformative phase of his cricketing life.

“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life,” he said.

Kohli’s retirement follows closely on the heels of Rohit Sharma’s own Test exit, signalling the end of an era in Indian cricket.

With both senior pros stepping away, the Indian team is now staring at a pivotal leadership transition just weeks ahead of their five-match Test series against England, which begins June 20 at Headingley.

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Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has launched a scathing attack on Indian media outlets, referring to them as ‘Cartoon Network’ in response to their coverage of India’s recent Military actions against Pakistan.

The tensions between India and Pakistan escalated in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

This incident has increased the already fragile relationship between the two countries.

On early Wednesday, India launched a “cowardly” missile attack on Pakistani territory, firing from across the Line of Control, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

DG ISPR confirmed that the missiles targeted areas including Kotli, Muzaffarabad, Ahmedpur Sharqia, Bagh, and Muridke.

The Pakistan armed forces responded swiftly and successfully intercepted the threat and prevented Indian aircraft from breaching Pakistani airspace.

In retaliation, Pakistan’s military shot down five Indian aircraft, including Rafale and destroyed a brigade headquarters across the border, according to ISPR.

Shahid Afridi expressed his thoughts that Indian media resembles Cartoon Network, describing it as lacking seriousness when it comes to facts.

“Indian media reminds me of Cartoon Network. Always loud, animated, and never serious about facts,” he wrote on X

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan and India have postponed their T20 leagues, Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Indian Premier League (IPL), due to rising tensions.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the postponement of the remaining eight matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.

“The last 24 hours have seen a worsening of the situation on the LOC, increased incursion of 78 drones, and the firing of surface to surface missiles from India,” PCB said in a statement.

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Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has supported Shoaib Malik’s continued participation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) despite criticism from former cricketers.

The 43-year-old Malik, currently representing Quetta Gladiators in PSL 10, has been in the spotlight after former batters Mohammad Yousuf and Basit Ali highlighted his inclusion in the team.

Shoaib Malik has played for four franchises since the inception of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The all-rounder has featured in 557 T20 matches, scoring 13571 runs and achieving 83 half-centuries. He currently ranks only behind West Indies’ Chris Gayle and England’s Alex Hales in the T20 runs tally.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Malik struggled to score against Lahore Qalandars, making only 14 runs off 15 balls while chasing a challenging total of 220. Furthermore, he went wicketless in the match, conceding 16 runs in just one over.

While speaking during a PSL show, Yousuf stated that a line should be drawn on allowing players of Malik’s age to participate in the league.

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“The board needs to draw a line regarding Shoaib Malik playing the PSL. If you ask me to play, even I’ll play,” he remarked.

Former cricketer Basit Ali also commented on the all-rounder’s inclusion in the playing XI during a TV show. He stated that young talent such as Khawaja Nafay was warming the bench due to Shoaib Malik

“If Shoaib Malik is playing, then Moeen Khan and Viv Richards should also play,” he said.

However, Shahid Afridi echoed contrasting sentiments to Yousuf and Basit, stating that Malik could play as he wanted to.

“He can play for as long as he wants to. Shoaib Malik can play some matches, but he should also skip a few games so that youngsters get their chance, as they have performed well to reach this stage,” Afridi said.

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Former Pakistan captains Mohammad Yousuf and Shahid Afridi have publicly raised concerns over Lahore Qalandars’ selection strategy in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, particularly the decision to field an inexperienced opener, Mohammad Naeem, ahead of more seasoned domestic performers.

Speaking on a local sports show, Yousuf didn’t mince his words while reacting to Naeem’s inclusion in the Qalandars’ playing XI.

“I’ve heard Mohammad Naeem’s name for the first time. Has he even played first-class cricket?” Yousuf questioned bluntly.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“I’ve only seen him face 10 or 11 balls. They have Mohammad Akhlaq – an experienced first-class cricketer and a solid performer. How do you justify playing someone so raw over a proven domestic player?”

Mohammad Naeem, who had featured in just five T20 matches before making his PSL debut, was given the responsibility to open the innings alongside Fakhar Zaman.

The 22-year-old’s numbers don’t back his selection either – he had scored just 85 runs in those five games prior to the PSL and has managed only 8 and 10 in his first two PSL outings, totaling a modest 18 runs so far.

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Shahid Afridi also took a subtle jab at Lahore’s tendency to pick untested players under the banner of talent discovery. “Credit bhi to lena hai,” he said, alluding to the franchise’s reputation for backing unknown names.

It’s worth noting that Lahore Qalandars lost their tournament opener to Islamabad United but bounced back in a high-scoring win over Quetta Gladiators.

They now gear up for a crucial clash against arch-rivals Karachi Kings later today at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

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Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has expressed his belief that off-spinner Sajid Khan deserved a place in the national squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Speaking to a private TV channel, the former Pakistan captain lamented the absence of spinner Sajid Khan who played a leading role in Pakistan’s victories in the recent Test home series.

“His confidence is very high and he is also a very good fielder. He [Sajid Khan] is a strong character who can also hit sixes in batting,” Shahid Afridi said.

Afridi was of the view that Sajid deserved to be in the Pakistan squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, considering the fact that Abrar Ahmed is the only specialist spinner in the squad.

Meanwhile, he agreed that the team India was entering the Champions Trophy 2025 with the right combination.

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“It is a perfect team, from openers to fast bowlers. I know there is no Bumrah, but they have bowlers such as Shami who can bowl exceptionally with the new ball,” Shahid Afridi said when asked about team India.

The former Pakistan captain was of the view that the abundance of quality spinners in the Indian side would help them defend low totals on pitches in Dubai.

“They have so many spinners who will cover Bumrah’s area. They are coming with a plan knowing they will play all of their games in Dubai,” Shahid Afridi said.

For the unversed, the defending champions and hosts Pakistan will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a game against New Zealand on February 19.

They will then travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23. Pakistan will then return home to face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

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Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has emphasized the need to back the national squad in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, while also addressing the absence of young batting sensation Saim Ayub.

For the unversed, Saim suffered a right ankle fracture while fielding on the first day of the second Test between Pakistan and South Africa in early January. The injury ruled him out for 10 weeks, forcing him to miss the Champions Trophy 2025.

Shahid Afridi, while speaking to the media on Tuesday, acknowledged that Saim’s injury is a setback but urged everyone to move forward and back the current squad.

“Yes, Saim Ayub’s absence will be felt, but now it’s time to forget that and support the entire squad,” Afridi stated.

“There’s no point in repeatedly mentioning Saim Ayub now. We need to focus on the players who are part of the squad and back them wholeheartedly.”

Shahid Afridi, known for his straightforward views, admitted that he had reservations about the inclusion of one or two players in the Champions Trophy squad but refrained from naming them.

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“I do have some objections to a couple of selections, but I won’t take names. What’s more important now is to support the team,” he said.

Afridi also commented on the much-anticipated clash with India, expressing his disappointment over India’s decision not to play in Pakistan.

“India should have come to Pakistan and played here. But since they will play in Dubai, Pakistan’s focus should be on beating them, wherever the match is,” Afridi remarked.

For the unversed, the defending champions and hosts Pakistan will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a game against New Zealand on February 19.

They will then travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23. Pakistan will then return home to face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

READ: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 commentary panel unveiled

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi named fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as the leading wicket-taker in the highly-anticipated India-Pakistan clash at the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Afridi revealed the name in a panel of former Indian and Pakistani cricketers put together by the well-known Indian sports channel in the run-up to the highly anticipated match between Pakistan and India.

The star-studded panel featured Indian greats Yuvraj Singh and Navjot Singh Sidhu alongside former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq.

The panel answered six burning questions regarding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 high-octane match.

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While answering the leading-wicket-taker question, Shahid Afridi expressed confidence in Shaheen Shah Afridi’s abilities. At the same time, Inzamam-ul-Haq favoured Haris Rauf to emerge as the highest wicket-taker in the high-voltage match.

Yuvraj Singh backed India’s Mohammed Shami to claim the top spot, while Navjot Singh Sidhu suggested an Indian spinner would lead in wickets.

The former power hitter’s endorsement of Shaheen is rooted in the young pacer’s impressive track record and rapid ascent in international cricket.

Since his debut in 2018, Shaheen has consistently delivered standout performances across all formats. His most memorable spell against the archrivals came in the 2021 T20 World Cup when his 3 for 31 dismantled the Indian batting lineup.

Shahid Afridi further addressed the high-voltage contest between Pakistan and India, emphasizing that attitude and body language will play a crucial role in determining the winner of a match.

He reflected on the 2011 World Cup semifinal, noting that the team’s confidence is essential in overcoming opponents.

“We thought we had won. But after our first wicket fell, and seeing India’s body language in the field, I sensed from the dugout that we might struggle to chase the target. It’s all about confidence and how you overpower the other team,” he said.

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