Shahid Afridi with Uzair Baloch Ranveer Singh in Dhurandhar. Image Credits: X
In an explosive blast from the past, former legendary Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi was captured having dinner with wanted terrorist Uzair Baloch. As the images leaked on social media, fans severely lashed out at Afridi.
Afridi has always been a notorious cricketer. Apart from his skill set on the field, he was also known for being an anti-Indian. Time and again, the former Pakistan captain passed outrageous remarks against India and its culture and defended terrorism.
Shahid Afridi spotted with terrorist Uzair Bloch
Meanwhile, a picture of Shahid Afridi from 2013 has resurfaced on social media, where the cricketer was seen having dinner with terrorist Uzair Baloch.
The latter was the alleged leader of the Lyari gang network in Karachi and faced accusations involving target killings, extortion, gang violence, drug-related crimes, and alleged espionage activities.
After being arrested by Pakistani authorities in 2016, he became one of the country’s most high-profile criminal figures.
Not only that, but in the latest Bollywood movie ‘Dhurandhar,’ a character named Uzair Baloch was portrayed as a gangster who aided terrorism against India.
Hence, Shahid Afridi’s close proximity to a criminal has led to severe online backlash. Fans have accused Afridi of being anti-Indian and raised questions about his character and true intentions.
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Shahid Afridi’s past controversy with India
Interestingly, Shahid Afridi has a history of making derogatory remarks against India. In 2018, Afridi posted a tweet criticising India’s handling of Kashmir, calling the situation appalling and worrisome and accusing India of suppressing self-determination and independence.
Afridi has also repeatedly criticised Indian media and politics in television appearances and interviews. Some remarks were more uglier and proviking than the others.
During the India-Pakistan conflict in 2025, the cricketer held a victory rally in favour of the Pakistan army and shared derogatory posts on social media criticising the Indian army. Because of these comments, Shahid Afridi remains a highly polarising figure in India.
Shahid Afridi rewarded by the Pakistan government
Meanwhile, back in Pakistan, Shahid Afridi still remains a hero. He was recently awarded the prestigious Hilal-e-Imtiaz, becoming only the fourth Pakistani cricketer to receive the country’s second-highest civilian honour.
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari presented the award to Afridi during a ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr on May 13, 2026.
Afridi now joins an elite list of Pakistani cricket legends that includes Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, all recipients of the same national honour.
Over the years, Shahid Afridi represented Pakistan in more than 500 international matches across formats and became one of the defining faces of Pakistan’s aggressive white-ball cricket era. His unforgettable 37-ball century against Sri Lanka in Nairobi, then the fastest ODI hundred in history, instantly turned him into a global cricket sensation.
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