Shaheen Afridi re-ignites Indo-Pak rivalry with ‘spirit of sportsmanship’ jibe; faces social media backlash

Memories of the Asia Cup Trophy snub suffered by India in September 2025 are still vivid. Even after registering a five-wicket win against Pakistan in the final, the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian team is yet to capture the trophy. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi took away the trophy after the Indian players refused to accept it from him. The final of the 2025 edition of the continental tournament always had a tense atmosphere, especially after Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. This gesture from India came in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor.

Former Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi made a controversial statement regarding the Asia Cup on Wednesday. “People across the border have violated sportsmanship. Our job is to play cricket and that is our focus. We will try to fight back on the field,” Afridi said at a press conference. he said.

Shaheen Afridi on India’s behavior in the Asia Cup:
“People across the border have violated the spirit of sportsmanship. Our job is to play cricket and that is our focus. We will try to fight back on the field.”#ShaheenAfridi #PAKvIND pic.twitter.com/EWxiZXgJGJ

— Shakeel Khan Khattak (@ShakeelktkKhan) January 7, 2026

The “answer” Afridi is talking about is about the exciting T20 World Cup match to be held in Colombo on February 15, 2026. His remarks were interpreted as a direct reference to the events last September, when the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian team allegedly refused the traditional post-match handshake with their Pakistani counterparts during the tournament.

Afridi’s latest statements were not well received by Indian fans and former cricketers. Just a few hours after the press conference, “Shaheen Afridi” began trending on X (formerly known as Twitter), with scores of users mocking the pacer’s own disciplinary issues and Pakistan’s ongoing difficulties in major events.

In one particularly popular post, referencing Shaheen’s recent knee injury troubles, he wrote, “Empty containers make the most noise. Let’s see if he can get his work done before we discuss sportsmanship.” It was said. Another user said, “The reaction on the field has not changed for years. Maybe they should focus on fitness instead of politics.”

Afridi is currently recovering from his knee injury and is under the care of PCB’s medical team at the High Performance Center in Lahore. The PCB on Wednesday shared a video of the fast bowler undergoing rehabilitation but did not reveal the severity of his injury or the timeline for his full recovery.

Shaheen suffered a knee injury while fielding in a recent Big Bash League match in Australia. He was released by his team, Brisbane Heat, and the PCB recalled him for rehabilitation.

This isn’t the first time Shaheen has had knee problems. He faced a similar issue while fielding in a Test match in Galle in 2021, which sidelined him for several months.

Afridi has been a key player in Pakistan’s pace attack and his presence could be vital to the team’s chances in the T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

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