![Shaheen Afridi's hilarious press conference [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1780138803510_ShaheenAfridi.jpg?type=hq)
Shaheen Afridi's hilarious press conference [Source: X]
Hours before the ODI series against Australia, Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi faced the media at Rawalpindi. However, the press conference turned hilarious when a reporter had to correct Afridi.
Pakistan is set to host Australia in a three-game ODI series beginning from May 30 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Afridi has been named the host team captain for this series.
Shaheen Afridi was embarrassed after mistaking the reporter’s identity
Meanwhile, amid a serious press conference, a hilarious moment lightened the atmosphere. A reporter named Asghar Ali Mubarak introduced himself, but Shaheen Afridi thought he was wishing him Eid Mubarak.
Hence, the Pakistan captain replied, “Aapko bhi Mubarak.” However, the reporters corrected Afridi, saying, “Mera naam Mubarak hai.” This brought a smile to Shaheen’s face as he was left embarrassed.
Within hours, the clip began circulating widely across social media platforms, with fans praising the Pakistan star's good-natured response and enjoying the journalist's perfectly timed correction.
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Shaheen Afridi responds to criticism over pace
During the press meet, Shaheen Afridi was asked about concerns surrounding the pace of Pakistan's fast bowlers. He compared fast bowlers to "machines" that naturally deteriorate with time and workload.
“It is a norm that machines deteriorate with time. We are trying to recharge ourselves. You can put more pace in the ball when your body has had rest, but our bodies remain always at Pakistan's disposal. All the bowlers are thinking about how they can increase their speeds,” Afridi said.
Afridi further said that Pakistan bowlers are actively working to regain the lost pace, but it's difficult since constant international commitments leave little room for adequate rest.
"Some of our bowlers are playing Tests, and the others are playing ODIs, so they stay fresh. The coaches and the NCA are working [on how to manage their loads]," he added.
Afridi reacts to Rizwan’s future in the ODI setup
Meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi also defended the omission of Mohammad Rizwan, insisting it is part of Pakistan's preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
He confirmed that he personally spoke to Rizwan and added that being dropped for one series does not mean his international career is over.
"I would suggest you not jump to conclusions. Babar and I were also dropped from the team, but we are back. I have spoken to Rizwan about it. It is not as if his cricket is finished just because he has been dropped for this series. It is also important to give opportunities to youngsters ahead of the World Cup.”
Mohammad Rizwan was dropped from this ODI series despite good performance against Bangladesh in the two-game Test series. However, as Shaheen Afridi said, it's all a part of selectors' plan for the World Cup. But for now, the wicket-keeper's future appears bleak.
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