Shahid Khan Afridi, one of Pakistan’s most iconic cricketers, recently addressed the burning question on everyone’s mind—does he plan to join politics?
The former captain and all-rounder, who has made headlines both on and off the field, set the record straight during a candid conversation on a TV show hosted by Ushna Shah.
A Shift in Focus
Afridi, known for his explosive batting and charismatic personality, revealed that he had indeed considered entering the political arena. He even had a political party in mind. However, after some serious thought in 2021, he decided against it.
Instead of diving into the often murky waters of Pakistani politics, Afridi chose to dedicate his time and energy to philanthropy. His reason? A disillusionment with the political landscape in Pakistan.
According to Afridi, the current political scene is marred by infighting and a lack of productivity. “People in power here do not work and only keep fighting,” he said, explaining why he opted out of a political career.
Read More: Shahid Afridi Criticizes PCB Chairman: “Choose One Job!”
A National Hero’s Journey
Afridi’s decision might come as a surprise to some, considering his status as a national hero. Ever since his debut at the age of 17, Afridi has been a household name in Pakistan.
With a career that spanned all formats of cricket, he became one of the most beloved figures in the sport. Even after retiring from international cricket, Afridi continued to shine in various leagues, proving that his star power was far from fading.
Now, Afridi is focusing on giving back to the community through his philanthropic efforts. His foundation, the Shahid Afridi Foundation, is dedicated to various social causes, including healthcare and education.
It’s clear that Afridi is committed to making a difference off the field, even if it means staying away from the political spotlight.
The Shaheen Afridi Connection
It’s also worth noting that Afridi’s influence extends beyond his own career. As the father-in-law of Pakistan’s star pacer, Shaheen Afridi, Shahid’s name often pops up in discussions about team dynamics.
Read More: Shaheen Afridi Accused Of Lobbying, Misbehaving By Gary Kirsten
Some fans have even speculated that Shahid Afridi was behind Shaheen’s involvement in alleged infighting during the T20 World Cup. However, these rumors remain just that—rumors.
A Different Path
Afridi’s decision to stay out of politics is a stark contrast to another cricket legend, Imran Khan. The 1992 World Cup-winning captain not only entered politics but also founded his own party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Khan went on to become the Prime Minister of Pakistan after a historic win in the 2018 general elections. But for Afridi, the allure of politics doesn’t compare to the satisfaction of philanthropy.
As he continues to make a difference through his foundation, it’s clear that Afridi has found his calling—one that doesn’t involve the chaos of politics but is just as impactful.
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