JournalismPakistan.com | Published June 20, 2024
Join our WhatsApp channel
MANCHESTER—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.
May 20, 2025: Popular journalist Imran Riaz Khan advises subscribers to use VPN as Pakistan plans to ban several YouTube channels including his with 5.86 million followers.
May 19, 2025: CPJ urges Pakistan to restore Ahmad Noorani’s blocked YouTube channel and stop harassing his family. The journalist could face three-year jail under cybercrime laws amid escalating media crackdown.
May 15, 2025: Dawn faces backlash for publishing ex-CJ Qazi Faez Isa's op-ed, accused of undermining democracy and aiding election rigging. Politicians and journalists condemn the move.
May 12, 2025: PFUJ pays tribute to journalists flogged under General Zia’s martial law in 1978, vowing to resist modern censorship and uphold press freedom in Pakistan.
May 09, 2025: In a bizarre media meltdown, Indian TV channels declared war on Pakistan, claimed imaginary victories and pushed fake narratives—leaving even Indian viewers stunned and apologetic.
May 05, 2025: India has banned prominent Pakistani journalist Rana Mubashir’s YouTube channel, expanding its crackdown on 16 other Pakistani media outlets. The move follows accusations of "false narratives" against India.
May 03, 2025: Pakistan's press freedom under severe threat as PFUJ condemns repressive laws and systematic journalist harassment on World Press Freedom Day. Union reports journalist killings, financial targeting, and government failure to implement safety measures.
May 02, 2025: Dawn has strongly denied publishing any report claiming that TTP stole a PAF F-16 fighter jet, labeling the viral screenshot as fake and digitally manipulated.
May 20, 2025 Popular journalist Imran Riaz Khan advises subscribers to use VPN as Pakistan plans to ban several YouTube channels including his with 5.86 million followers.
May 19, 2025 CPJ urges Pakistan to restore Ahmad Noorani’s blocked YouTube channel and stop harassing his family. The journalist could face three-year jail under cybercrime laws amid escalating media crackdown.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Dawn faces backlash for publishing ex-CJ Qazi Faez Isa's op-ed, accused of undermining democracy and aiding election rigging. Politicians and journalists condemn the move.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.