Media row: Afridi defends ‘dismissive’ reply to reporter

E-Paper | March 18, 2026

LAHORE: Pakistan's Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi defended himself Thursday after a row with a television journalist that prompted the media to briefly boycott coverage of an ongoing training camp, saying he “always respects others”.

Afridi was asked by Dunya News journalist Sanaullah Khan at the camp in Lahore on Wednesday how he would improve his captaincy after a recent 3-0 loss against England in the United Arab Emirates saw Pakistan plummet to sixth in the world T20 rankings, from a high of second.

A miffed Afridi retorted: “I expected you to ask such a pathetic and low question, someone ask the next question please.” The dismissive reply on live television ignited anger among journalists, who boycotted the remainder of the planned events on Wednesday and demanded an apology.

Khan, who had asked Afridi a similar question in November and received a similar answer, even took to Twitter with a live #AskSana question-and-answer session about the incident.

On Thursday, Afridi defended himself and accepted responsibility for the humiliation in the UAE. “I always respect others and demand the same from others,” he said.

“It's under my captaincy that the team rose to number two but we made basic errors to lose against England and that affected our rankings.”

Team manager Intikhab Alam managed to pacify the media, who returned on Thursday to cover the final day of the camp.

“I have talked to Afridi and he has reiterated that he respects the media, so hopefully such an incident will not happen again,” Alam said on Thursday.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said the incident should not be blown out of proportion.

“It should not have happened,” PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan told media. “We will look into it but don't take it as something big.”

Afridi has led Pakistan since Mohammad Hafeez stepped down in 2014, winning six of the last ten matches.

Pakistan will fly to New Zealand on January 10 to play three T20 matches and as many one-day internationals, the first in Auckland on January 15.

Afridi said he was sure the players would improve their rankings during the tour.

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Joe

Jan 07, 2016 03:33pm

I don't see why Afridi needs to apologize. Media has a habit of being overly irritating at times. He was asked why his captaincy is pathetic and he responded that in fact the question was pathetic. So why is one party more at fault? They have a right to ask any questions and he should have the right to answer any way he wants.

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Khurram

Jan 07, 2016 03:47pm

@Joe Afridi could have diplomatically answered the question. But as usual and like his batting he could not control his emotions. Besides, The question was a genuine one.

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irfan

Jan 07, 2016 03:54pm

He should learn the skills from Dhoni who sits regularly in front of the hardest and most tormenting media in the world. BUT than again, Dhoni is not only a world class player but a very cool gentleman as well. Unlike Afridi who is no different than the Umer Akmal or his brother.

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A. Ali

Jan 07, 2016 03:54pm

these TV journalist react like saas/bahu jhagra........... frankly. there's anything to fight about the question/ reply. but our tv will make mountain out of mole.

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Saeed Masood

Jan 07, 2016 03:55pm

The Pakistan Media wants its share of baby food...ask a silly question get a silly answer, where did this apology come from...???

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Tanweer Khan

Jan 07, 2016 03:56pm

@Joe The question asked by the reporter was, and I quote: "Your record has not been as impressive as previous Pakistan Twenty20 captains, do you think there is a need to change the way you are leading the side?" That is a perfectly valid question, especially on the back of a 3-o loss on 'home' territory to a team ranked lower than you. Also, there is no hiding the fact that on a win/loss ratio, which effectively determines your record, Afridi (win rate = 48%) is the worst captain in Pakistan history. This effectively implies that Pakistan loses more T20s than they win when Afridi is in charge. All other Pakistan captains have a win rate record between 60-75% (excluding Inzi at 100%, but he only led in 1 T2o). So under the leadership of others, Pakistan is more likely to win, whereas with Afridi we are more likely to lose. Surely, something needs to change either by Afridi's approach - or by appointing someone else to lead. Or are you saying, we are happy with a 48% rate.

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Abdulla Hussain

Jan 07, 2016 04:04pm

I will not fault Afridi for his polite outburst, regretfully some of the news reporter are not qualified for attending press conference or interviewing celebrities. They are quite ignorant about the professional norms that should be followed while asking questions. Afridi was badly offended by this particular reporter who should be issued notice for his bad behavior & non relevant question. Afridi is not a politician, he is a straightforward man.

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Philosopher (from Japan)

Jan 07, 2016 04:07pm

The question was quite spot on. Why he will improve his captancy after a 3-0 whitewash? He shows big mouth and cracked bat.

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Asif Kashmiri

Jan 07, 2016 04:22pm

What he did is correct

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A. Ali

Jan 07, 2016 04:26pm

@Tanweer Khan ............ with such Einstein equation in place this journalist should have courage to go and ask PCB about changing the captain of T20. if he had slightly poor record as captain what the deal ?. this question was aimed at insulting Afridi, so the report got an appropriate and subtle reply. no tantrums furthermore.

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Ali Hasan Zaidi

Jan 07, 2016 04:35pm

Afridi have to apologize for his burning behavior with Duniya News Sanaullah (Report are 100% right) unfortunately Pak team have majority r non matric, do not have educational background, they r unable to give interview with foreign press, in broken english. Afridi always short temper, Once in Karachi he fight boxing with one small boy just for minor mistake from fan. PCB have to work on his attitude behavior how talk in press conference, I have seen his attitude on TV. PCB should take action against Afridi. Media / Press have every right to ask question, abt his performance which are poor, we will see in NZ.

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Hass

Jan 07, 2016 04:45pm

So only media can have freedom of speech and Afridi cant??

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Ishtiaq Ahmad

Jan 07, 2016 04:48pm

Afridi did right thing with media, Media can not degrade and humiliate any one.

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Tanweer Khan

Jan 07, 2016 04:51pm

@A. Ali You are right about the tantrums by the media. They were uncalled for. But without bringing any emotion into this, let's break the question into 2 parts. 1. "YOUR RECORD has NOT been as impressive as previous Pakistan Twenty20 captains". This is correct - given the statistics. 2. "Do you think there is a need to CHANGE THE WAY you are leading the side?" Clearly Afridi's current/recent approach has not been successful - so maybe there is a case for him to change his approach. The reporter didn't ask for Afridi to be sacked - merely asked if a change in approach was needed. Afridi could have responded by saying that perhaps we need to change the batting order around, or be more agile in the field, or be more bolder with bowling changes/field placings etc. Sportspeople all over the world are asked similar questions, and as a general rule they will give a proper response. In Pakistan, we are far too dogmatic - and refuse to take constructive criticism on board.

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ali umair

Jan 07, 2016 04:54pm

He is a nobody. We made him hero. Mostly in our country might is right so he is. No respect whatsoever. Media also glorify him so now what?

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Usman

Jan 07, 2016 04:58pm

What's a "basic error"?

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Hassan

Jan 07, 2016 04:59pm

Afridi is the most overrated player of all time.......

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Sarwar Dadabhai

Jan 07, 2016 05:12pm

@ Ali Hasan Zaidi : Correct, the captain should have, fluent in english, Afridi and Azhar both speak broken english, some times do not u/stand foreign reporters questions, Shahid Afridi age is 35 years very very old for T20, normally this game is for 17-27 years age only. I doubt in New Zld Afridi can perform, with presently form he have poor and mentally upset blow up on reports. PCB should take care of his attitude and monitor his behavior.

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Waqas Hassan

Jan 07, 2016 05:32pm

One should gift Waqar Younis and PCB a book named "Leading" by Sir Alex Ferguson. Man, Sir Alex hit David Beckham with a football boot to make him realize that no one, is above the MU Club. In comparison to David Beckham, who is Shahid Afridi?

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Kamranchaudhry

Jan 07, 2016 06:00pm

Why afridi thinks that with his what ever performance, he is above to be asked a question?.sorry for his attitude ,that he should ask.

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Kamranchaudhry

Jan 07, 2016 06:02pm

@Tanweer Khan Nice.

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shahid

Jan 07, 2016 06:16pm

It would be descent reply if same question was asked to Misbah. I will not blame Afridi because aggression is in his nature but this aggression must not become insult for opponent. The dialogue was between well educated and less educated person.

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M.Saeed

Jan 07, 2016 06:26pm

If Afridi was sure the players would improve their rankings during the tour, he must have made up his mind to leave leanings behind and act purely and purely on merit, as a Captain.

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common sense

Jan 07, 2016 06:29pm

@Sarwar Dadabhai What does english fluency have anything to do with cricket ? Criticize his technique all you want but trying to put him down for his educational background or english skills ? English is no more superior than urdu ! Be proud of your own language.

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Rehan

Jan 07, 2016 06:54pm

You now have a fair idea of the possible outcome of Pak Team in NZ tour and in the T20 WC vis a vis your own performance ... that is why you are getting agitated. Mind your tongue and let your performance do the talking to silence your critics. If you genuinely feel tensed, overworked and frustrated please call it a Day and bow down gracefully. This will indeed be a great service to Pakistan Cricket !!

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Akhand Bharat

Jan 07, 2016 08:16pm

Well from the look of it, it seems media guy crossed the line. He wanted a byte and he got it. But then, Afridi having represented Pakistan for so long should have developed the depth of handling media and their often stupid questions. From the psychology of it, Afridi some where is insecure himself and hence the retort and explanations.

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Jan 07, 2016 08:49pm

@Ishtiaq Ahmad So basically you are saying if the captain is doing bad, leave him alone. Do not ask questions about his performance. That sounds pathetic.

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Tanweer Khan

Jan 07, 2016 09:58pm

One thing we must also accept - and that is only fair to Afridi, is that he is a very good bowler in T20 internationals. At a time, when T20s tend to have an average score around 170, Afridi bowls his 4 overs for around 26 runs and usually picks up 1 wicket. That is actually a winning bowling score (pro rata) - as the opposition would only get 130 at this rate. However, Afridi's batting - which ironically is his 'strength' is a big let down, as he is only out in the middle for an average of 12 balls - and his maverick 'boom boom' style doesn't get us very far. If he was 10 years younger, you might ask him to review the batting approach as clearly it doesn't work. For now, I think we just have to accept Afridi's batting as it is, and as per @Rehan hope that after the WC Afridi gracefully bows out of the team. Although, I highly doubt he will bow out given the adulation he gets - even when he doesn't perform. So we are probably stuck with him for another few years at least.

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Guest66

Jan 07, 2016 10:02pm

If what he faced in the Home series against England was not good enough to discard him from this format of the game too , Wait and see what is in for him in the down under vis NZ , With Brendan mccullam and co who have been constant thorn in the likes of Australia , South Africa in NZ , Afridi had No Chance , even the so called special talent will not be enough to help him survive down under . he must leave the scene NOW and not after the T20 worldCup (as he had said he will ! ) and let a young talent take up the place , Hafeez can Still lead the side if he has reconciled within himself and within his moral upright stand to share the dressing room with Aamer ..... team will be better off without Egoistic Afridi at the helm .

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Ekram

Jan 07, 2016 10:19pm

I repeat my posting from yesterday that people have to understand the nature of press freedom and a journalist's right to ask any and all questions. If someone is irritated and cannot control his or her emotions, that person should not face the media. Freedom of the press is an innate right of humans. If you let it slide, every individual in Pakistan will suffer. Atlanta

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Rick_james

Jan 07, 2016 11:31pm

An excellent answer by Afridi to reporters who always try to find a way to demoralize the players through such stupid questions.

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Azher

Jan 08, 2016 12:22am

Media has its own issues and needs to mature quickly if they want to become productive part of society rather than breaking ridiculous news 24X7. However Afridi is a known offender with limited talent who has been vaulted at the perch by the same media. Afridi has not learned any lessons through out his career, he has slapped a doctor, taken a bite out of a ball, tried to rough up a pitch had confrontations with many of his team mates and with ex-cricketers. He is a sub-par talent, besides few firecracker innings his talent reads like this Batting ODI avg (23.5) T20 avg (18.47) in bowling it reads ODI avg is wicket in every 7.45 overs in T20I he gets a wicket at the avg of 3.6 overs .....so much for superstar....

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alamgir

Jan 08, 2016 04:47am

Media thinks of itself above every one else - the pakistani media like its politicians think they have the right to humiliate others at will. While I dont condone Afridi's behaviour (he needs to learn how to handle such questions) but media cant be exonerated either.

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Malik

Jan 08, 2016 05:17am

Afridi is national Hero and superstar and world famous player and top all rounder in the world. Who the hell is that unknown reporter?

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Peter Parvez Masud

Jan 08, 2016 10:27am

To all Afridi haters...what if he wins the World Cup...will all of you come back and post an apology ...all I know he gives 150% and he will do his best, you can count on that. BTW, Dhoni is finished too, you don't hear Indians fans asking for his head. Lets be patience and see what inspire in New Zealand. Afridi will deliver, have faith and get off his back.

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Noor

Jan 08, 2016 12:37pm

@Joe journalist never said his performance was pathetic.he said his performance was poor and how he can improve. That is the only job of journalist. AfriDi has slapped a fan at karachi airport as well.He needs to behave.

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Tanweer Khan

Jan 08, 2016 04:12pm

'What if' indeed? No - we won't post an apology, because it will just prove that the journalist was right - and that perhaps Afridi needs to change the way he is leading the team. Nobody hates Afridi - but his recent record has not been great. And if you lose more games than you win, then on average the likelihood of progressing from the group stage of the T20 WC is low - as you would need to win at least 2 out of three games against Aus, NZ and India. So Afridi will have to do something different between now and the WC to get the team back into winning ways - and of course he can do it, and we, the Pakistani public will support him fully. But as Albert Einstein famously said “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results”. That is the bit we are asking Afridi to address promptly.

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Peter Parvez Masud

Jan 08, 2016 10:24pm

@Tanweer Khan ..The memento was with Bangladesh in the only T20I , Pakistan's shamble performance in the ODI series(Banglawash) had a lot to do with that , so benefit of doubt goes in Afrdi favor , now to England's series . the series was a lot closer than what the Scorecard shows. Pakistan should have won the last two matches and Afrdi did his bit very well, in 2nd T20, he smashed 24 in 10 balls and we lost by 3 runs , bad luck. and in the 3rd, again he comes through with 29 in 20 balls but Malik failed to see Pakistan through after making 75 but Afridi gets the blame. Like some of you criticizing Afrdi , the same attitude on field by some of the players, not giving their 100% . My only wish is they play as a team, the great Imran Khan was able to achieve that and I feel Afrdi can too. BTW, it was Waqar Younis that was the problem with Imran Khan, Waqar was thrown out ( forget the back spasm). Hafeez needs to be thrown out.

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