Share

Afridi punches fans in airport

Karachi - Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi lashed out at fans at Karachi airport after his three-year-old daughter was hurt in a crush of autograph hunters, eye-witnesses and television reports said on Friday.

The 32-year-old former captain lost his temper and hit fans who had descended on the airport to greet members of the Asia Cup winning national side, apparently after his daughter Ajwa was hurt.

"Afridi's reaction was natural as dozens of fans circled him and hurt his daughter. I still love him and he is just like my brother," fan Gul Rehman, who was hit several times by the all-rounder, later told media.

Television footage showed Afridi, wearing an orange t-shirt and jeans, striking Rehman and other fans.

Afridi later said he did not want to hurt anyone but lost his temper.

"There was no security for players and it's usual that fans come and seek autographs but this time they were out of control and hurt my daughter on which I lost my temper," Afridi told reporters.

Afridi and teammates Younis Khan, Saeed Ajmal, Asad Shafiq and Mohammad Hafeez returned home late Friday after Pakistan's two-run win against Bangladesh on Thursday which earned Pakistan its second Asia Cup title.

Afridi was declared man-of-the-match for his fiery 32 in Pakistan's 236 and took one wicket in Bangladesh's innings.

Captain Misbah-ul Haq and other players were due to return Lahore early on Saturday.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1160 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1356 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2066 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE