JournalismPakistan.com | Published June 20, 2024
Join our WhatsApp channelMANCHESTER—Former Pakistan Test cricketer Shahid Afridi has found himself embroiled in controversy after a photo surfaced showing him with members of a pro-Israel organization in Manchester.
On Wednesday, Afridi's fans were taken aback when the North West Friends of Israel (NWFOI) shared the photo on X (formerly Twitter), which quickly went viral, garnering 1.8 million views.
In the photo, Afridi is seen posing with two members of the group, one of whom is holding a pamphlet requesting the British government's help in securing the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. NWFOI's post on X stated: "Pakistani international cricketer @SAfridiOfficial stopped to offer his support for our call to release the hostages at our NWFOI vigil last Sunday in Manchester. Shahid is pictured with NWFOI co-chair Raphi Bloom and deputy chair Bernie Yaffe. Thank you for your support."
Afridi responded by urging his fans not to believe everything they see on social media. He clarified the situation, stating, "Imagine you are walking in a street in Manchester (UK) and some so-called fans come up to you to take a selfie and you accept. Moments later, they upload it as an endorsement of Zionism."
Expressing his anguish over the suffering of innocent lives in Palestine, Afridi emphasized that the photo should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political stance. "It is heart-wrenching to see the suffering of innocent lives in Palestine. A photo shared by an organization in Manchester cannot be considered as my endorsement of any kind where human lives are at stake," he explained. Afridi reiterated that he often takes photos with fans from all over the world and that this situation was no different. "I pray for the end of this war, and I pray for freedom," he added.
Conversely, NWFOI claimed that Afridi had taken the pictures himself and was fully aware of the context. "He knew what he was doing," they asserted.
April 30, 2025: Freedom of expression in Pakistan is under threat, as the 2025 Freedom Network report reveals increased arrests, censorship, and legal restrictions following amendments to PECA, posing serious risks to journalists and democratic values.
April 30, 2025: Dawn has criticized the Indian media's calls for war and condemned the banning of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, urging a rational response after the Pahalgam attack that left 26 dead.
April 28, 2025: India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major news outlets and individual journalists, following the deadly Pahalgam attack. Tensions escalate as Islamabad demands a neutral probe.
April 23, 2025: Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.
April 21, 2025: After being expelled from PTI, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists and Aleema Khan, sparking outrage on social media over his offensive remarks.
April 21, 2025: Journalist Sanaullah Khan reveals that the FIA has launched a financial crackdown on YouTubers by freezing the bank accounts of journalists and their family members—raising serious concerns over freedom of expression and legal process.
April 20, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz launched his fifteenth book, In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple and Triple Centuries 1876–2025, at an elegant Islamabad event, reflecting on cricket’s rarest feats and his journey as a scholar of the game.
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
April 30, 2025 Freedom of expression in Pakistan is under threat, as the 2025 Freedom Network report reveals increased arrests, censorship, and legal restrictions following amendments to PECA, posing serious risks to journalists and democratic values.
April 30, 2025 Dawn has criticized the Indian media's calls for war and condemned the banning of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, urging a rational response after the Pahalgam attack that left 26 dead.
April 28, 2025 India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major news outlets and individual journalists, following the deadly Pahalgam attack. Tensions escalate as Islamabad demands a neutral probe.
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.
April 23, 2025 Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.