Shahid Afridi denies pro-Israeli group’s claim over controversial selfie.
Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has found himself at the center of a controversy after a UK-based pro-Israel group claimed he supported their call for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
The group, North West Friends of Israel (NWFOI), posted a photo of Afridi with two of their members, which quickly drew ire from his fans.
“Pakistani international cricketer @SAfridiOfficial stopped to offer his support for our call to release the hostages at our NWFOI vigil last Sunday in Manchester. Thank you for your support, Shahid!” read a caption of the picture.
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Afridi addressed the issue on his official X handle, categorically denying the group’s assertions.
He explained that while walking in Manchester, some individuals approached him for a selfie, and he obliged, unaware of any ulterior motive.
Afridi emphasized that the photo was being misrepresented and did not indicate his support for the group’s cause.
“Imagine strolling down a street in Manchester (UK) and so-called fans approach you for a selfie. You oblige, and moments later, they upload it as some form of Zionist endorsement.”
Terming the North West Friends of Israel’s claims “unbelievable,” the ex-cricketer asked the netizens don’t believe everything that is uploaded on social media.
“Seeing innocent lives in Palestine suffer is truly heartbreaking. Thus, any photo or association shared by in Manchester does not reflect my support for any situation where human lives are at stake. I take pictures with fans from all over the globe, and this situation was no different. I pray for peace, I pray for an end to this war, I pray for freedom,” he added.
Expressing his anguish over the plight of innocent Palestinians, Afridi clarified that the photograph did not reflect his stance on the conflict.
He underscored his commitment to peace, stating that he routinely takes photos with fans worldwide, and this interaction was no different.
Clown Shahid Afridi turned genocide supporter exposed!! pic.twitter.com/byn6QN7fhk
— Adeel Raja (@adeelraja) June 19, 2024
In a rebuttal, NWFOI claimed that Afridi had willingly taken the picture with their placards and had engaged with them voluntarily, suggesting his support for their cause.
They maintained that Afridi had taken the photo with his own camera and agreed to pose with their materials.
“You took a picture with your OWN camera with our hostage placards and then agreed to pose with us for a selfie with hostage leaflets. You spoke to us of your own FREE will and posed for a selfie with hostage leaflets to support our cause.”
Afridi responded firmly, dismissing their claims as a misunderstanding.
He insisted that the selfie was merely a fan interaction and did not imply any endorsement of their message.
Afridi called on the group to remove the post, labeling it as inaccurate and unrepresentative of his views.
“Nice try NWFOI. This was just a selfie with what I thought was a fan. I do not endorse your Tweet. As a Muslim I pray for peace across the world. Please delete this post as it’s not accurate!”
As Shahid Afridi denies pro-Israeli group’s claim over controversial selfie, this incident comes amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which erupted on October 7 last year.
Also read: ‘Wo bhi ghar wapas jayenge’: Shahid Afridi’s fiery response to Gautam Gambhir
The hostilities have resulted in significant casualties, with around 1,200 Israelis killed and over 250 taken hostage by Hamas.
Israel’s subsequent military response has led to over 37,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Israel has stated that its actions aim to eliminate the threat posed by Hamas and secure the release of the hostages.
