Shahid Afridi has reached Kathmandu, Nepal to play Everest Premier League at TU Stadium. Afridi is playing for Kathmandu Kings XI, one of the six teams participating in the tournament.
Shahid Afridi is expected to play two matches in the league. Pakistan’s ambassador to Nepal, Syed Haider Shah, and EPL officials received Shahid Afridi at Tribhuvan International Airport. Afridi thanked the management for inviting him to play the tournament.
“First of all, I want to thank the management of the league who invited me. I am very happy and I feel like I’m in Pakistan. It’s like a home,” said the 44-year old cricketer, who is fondly known as Boom Boom Afridi for his fearless batting.
https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial/status/1440818008637599746?s=20
“I have heard a lot about Nepal, Nepali people, and great hospitality as well the beauty of this country,” said Afridi.
“Trust me I am very very happy to be here and inshallah I will spend a good time,” Afridi said.
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Shahid Afridi all for supporting Nepali cricketers
“Supporting each other is the main thing for me. That’s why I am here, to support Nepal and Nepali cricket. As professional athletes, we have to support each other especially in a difficult and tough time,” he said, indicating towards the withdrawals of Pakistan tour by a couple of countries. “… now off to Nepal to promote sports and cricket in the region.
Shahid Afridi like other cricketers had expressed displeasure of the abandonment of the Pakistan tour by New Zealand and England in the past week.
“ I’m overwhelmed with the love & support by @henrygayle @darensammy88 Rutherford, Doull, Mickey, Roussow, Perera, Wilkins as well as all others. We r all one as cricketers and representatives of this great game! Cricket needs Pakistan as much as Pakistan needs cricket! #HopeNotOut,” Shahid Afridi had said in a tweet.
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“It’s time for @ecb_cricket to show their appreciation of @therealpcb through actions and not words. Despite the mind-boggling @blackcaps decision, Pakistan remains a safe place to tour. ECB shouldn’t forget our support for the last year in a very tough Covid-19 situation,” Shahid Afridi said while calling out the English Cricket Board.