Afridi's homecoming marred by airport altercation with fan

Blames security officials for not providing adequate security.


Web Desk March 23, 2012

KARACHI: As cricketer Shahid Afridi, part of the Asia Cup winning national cricket team, stepped out of the Jinnah International Airport on Friday evening, he was swarmed by fans. With little to no security to escort him out, an overeager fan accidently hurt his daughter, prompting Afridi to push him away.

Harassed, Asia Cup final man-of-the-match Afridi tried desperately to swim through the large crowds that had gathered to greet him. However, as he got to his car, where his young daughter Ajwa was waiting with a flower in hand, an eager fan accidently stepped on her toes. Unable to restrain himself, Afridi reacted angrily, pushing the fan away from the vehicle, and threatening to smack another.

“My emotions got out of control. My young daughter was there and someone stepped on her toes,” Afridi said while talking to ExpressNews on Friday evening. He also blamed security officials for not providing him an adequate escort. However he quickly realised that he may have reacted harshly.

“I realise I should not have done it,” he said, before issuing a muffled apology.

Earlier, while speaking to reporters at the airport, Afridi called for a long term strategy for cricket that focuses on strengthening the domestic cricket system, ExpressNews reported.

“We need a 10-15 year plan for cricket, invest in the youth, improve the domestic system,” he said.

Having picked up the man of the match award for the closely fought final match, Afridi praised the Bangladeshi cricketers “I felt like we were playing against Australia.”

He was quick to point out how the high profile domestic Twenty20 league had helped raised their standards, “due to BPL their talent has come to fore, and they played very maturely.”

Afridi also pointed out how his contributions continued to make a difference towards results of the National team. “When I do not bowl there is a difference. If i bowl well, we win,” he said in a matter of fact tone.

COMMENTS (78)

Mohammed Arif | 11 years ago | Reply

Why not my comments of 23rd March could take place????????? Where they gone??????

Hadi Ansari | 11 years ago | Reply

There is marked similarity in this incident and that of Mrs. Waheeda Shah.She was penalised and is facing court cases. Now is the time to hear from PCB.No one is above law.Agreed that Afridi is a good all rounder of short format cricket------------ gentlemens game.

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