ISLAMABAD: Popular cricketer and former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi has been named a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations anti-narcotics agency.
According to a press statement issued by the UN Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on Tuesday, the talented all-rounder has been appointed in recognition of his outstanding sporting record and for his popularity among cricket fans who have nicknamed him ‘Boom Boom Afridi’.
“I have never done anything halfway and will give my all to my new role,” Afridi said, accepting his two-year assignment. “I hate to see drugs ruin the lives of young people. If I can convince even one boy or girl to shirk the habit, I will be proud [of myself].”
Elaborating on why Afridi was chosen for the job, UNODC Pakistan representative Jeremy Douglas said, “He plays with heart. Shahid Afridi is a role model who can speak powerfully against drug abuse. Young people see in him the courage to push boundaries and the will to go on when things get tough.”
Afridi will promote healthy living through sports and emphasise positive values and attitudes during visits to schools and colleges. In 2012, he will witness the impact of the work of UNODC in Pakistan and highlight the need to curb drug use and associated crime.
He is expected to take part in a range of activities, such as a youth cricket tournament, the commemoration of the International Day against Drug Abuse, raising awareness about the importance of ethics in sports, advocating gender-responsive services for drug users and promoting knowledge of drug and HIV/AIDS issues.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2012.
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its not a joke dude its your jelousy for afridi. People like you are jealous of such a nice persons. Be realistic that he is a great player. Best of luck boom boom afridi.
My prayers are with you Afridi. I bet you will change the mind of lot more than one and will sure stop more than one youth off the path of drugs. I don't care about haters comments here but I know you are our hero and have acheived a lot in your field thats enough for one to get hired for a tough job like this. It will be an honour for the fans and the nation to see you there helping the youth.
This is a joke. This guy has one of thd most tainted cricketing career. Pitch tampering, ball tampering, ball chewing to name a few and he has been selected as a ambassador, what a joke.
@Ali: Please let's not talk about controversies and past. Just wish him good luck for the noble cause.
boom boom against drugs.
BOOM BOOM! :-)
He will do well.he is by far a nice person than a cricketer.that I know from my personal terms
''I AGREE WITH YOU BROTHER,This is agreat chance to help the people'' great lala g?
good lala ur my nation captain really
Congratulations, He could be great help to his fans.
Congratulations.
I hope that you will deliver lectures so that people should reduce taking the drugs which is dangerous for life and many of people have died.
Good news \o/
Good, he is a great crickter in the world and God has blessed him with an excellent physic and personality.., So ' he possesses all the qualities of a good will ambassador.A very good choice of the UN for this noble cause. Well done Afridi, keep it up.
@Pakistani Hindu: I agree with you brother!! This is his chance to serve for a greater cause!!
Good luck BOOM BOOM i wish u all success and hope you will create a new History as a good will Ambassador . I am pretty sure u will win the hearts of the young people.
Here's your chance to win hearts of your haters.!! PS. I am not one of your fans, but I may become one if you inspired our youth to refrain from lethal drugs!
Boom Boom Afridi!!