![Shaheen Afridi and Ramiz Raja [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1776782461768_ShaheenAfridiandRamizRaja.jpg?type=hq)
Shaheen Afridi and Ramiz Raja [Source: AFP]
In the recently concluded Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators clash on April 21, Shaheen Afridi, the skipper of the former team in PSL, seemed to have engaged in a verbal exchange with an ex-Pakistan Cricket Board official and current match presenter, Ramiz Raja.
Shaheen Afridi, known for his out-and-about attitude on the field, was seen leading Lahore Qalandars to a nine-run win against Quetta Gladiators. However, Ramiz Raja, seemed to have a different opinion on the outcome of the match.
Qalandars Defeat Gladiators By 9-Run Margin
The Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators clash saw the Gladiators falter while chasing Qalandars' 198-run target. In the final over, the equation seemed to be leaning in Qalandars' favour, as the thrilling last over saw the Gladiators requiring 19 runs.
However, Ramiz Raja had a different take, which led to an almost verbal spat during the post-match presentation of the PSL 2026 match.
Verbal Spat Between Shaheen Afridi and Ramiz Raja on Live TV!
While Ramiz Raja called it a close match, Afridi openly disagreed on live television, with Ramiz responding in a sarcastic manner. Shaheen, too, responded sarcastically while defending his team.
Ramiz Raja - “A close match is good in a way, you get to know where the team stands.”
Shaheen Afridi - “Ramiz bhai, it wasn’t that close of a match.”
Ramiz - “You only won by 9 runs, man.”
Shaheen - “No, no, it’s nothing our team is known for this anyway.”
Also Read- Ayush Mhatre Replacement: 3 Players Who Could Join CSK IPL 2026 Squad
What Happened In The Final Over?
As the Gladiators struggled in the final over of the PSL match, Haris Rauf came in to defend 19 runs. Alzarri Joseph and Abrar Ahmed were at the crease, and despite a few extras and a boundary, Rauf managed to secure the victory by a margin of nine runs.
Although it appeared to be a close game, Afridi differed in his assessment. However, despite the on-air exchange, the moment seemed more like a casual and spirited discussion rather than a serious confrontation.
Afridi Packing The Punch In PSL 2026
Shaheen Afridi has been one of the top performers for Lahore Qalandars so far in Pakistan Super League 2026. The team, which is currently in the fourth position on the points table, has Afridi as their highest wicket-taker, followed by Haris Rauf.
Rauf has taken nine wickets from seven appearances, while Afridi has taken 14 wickets from eight appearances at a skimpy economy rate of 7.03 and a strike rate of 12.4.
The Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators Match Guided By Fakhar Zaman
Meanwhile, the PSL game saw Lahore Qalandars put up a massive total on the back of a brilliant innings played by an unfazed and brilliant Fakhar Zaman, where he racked up a 51-ball 103. This helped Qalandars dominate Quetta Gladiators psychologically as the top order started to crumble from the ninth over onwards.
By the end of the tenth over, the Gladiators were three wickets down, with the middle order also falling in quick succession, as Hasan Nawaz went down for a golden duck, while Khawaja Nafay and Bevon Jacobs also disappointed with the bat.
From the Qalandars camp, Haris Rauf was the pick of the bowlers with his two-wicket haul from four overs, while Usama Mir, Sikandar Raza, Ubaid Shah, and Shaheen Afridi himself managed to take one wicket each.
Moreover, it was a dominant win rather than a close game for Lahore Qalandars. Hence, Afridi's exchange with Ramiz Raja was apparently justified, given he was defending his own team for an outstanding performance on the ground.
Also Read- Is PSL Performance Misleading? Experts Question Babar Azam Hype
.jpg?type=mq "SRH, Delhi Capitals toss records")
