Images

Respect versus competition: Twitter is divided on Shaheen Afridi and Sarfaraz Ahmed's on-pitch falling out

Respect versus competition: Twitter is divided on Shaheen Afridi and Sarfaraz Ahmed's on-pitch falling out

The two clashed in a PSL game between the Quetta Gladiators and Lahore Qalandars, sparking a debate about seniority.
16 Jun, 2021

Twitter erupted in controversy, as it does, when Shaheen Afridi and Sarfaraz Ahmed exchanged seemingly heated words during a PSL game. The incident took place during a game between the Quetta Gladiators and Lahore Qalandars, when left-arm pacer Afridi rocked much-revered former captain Ahmed.

Ahmed turned around to have a few words with Afridi, who had a few things on his mind as well.

After the delivery hit Ahmed's head, he turned around to exchange a few words with Afridi at the non-striker's end. Afridi, who had begun his walk back for the next delivery, turned around and responded with his hand swinging up to point at Ahmed. Several saw this as Afridi misbehaving with his senior.

But the popular response to that argument was that this was not a matter of respect — cricket is a sport and in a sport, one plays to beat their opponent, or in Afridi's case, to not concede runs. If it were easy to do so, or if it were less dramatic to try an snatch a win for your team, sports wouldn't be as entertaining as it is.

In match it is normal for players to get riled up or get fiery during a competition. Therefore, Ahmed's response was normal — he just burst out at a delivery he couldn't play — and Afridi's turning around was warranted as well — bouncers are an integral part of a fast bowler's handbook after all.

Cricketer Usama Mir, who represents the Karachi Kings in the PSL, made this point, but with a fistful of sarcasm.

This user argued that Afridi behaved how one would expect someone in his situation to — he's a bowler being called out by the opposition batsman for bowling a perfectly legal delivery.

A perfectly legal delivery.

There were, obviously, some mid-way opinions of the more "best of both worlds" variety.

Later, in a post-match interview, Afridi was asked about the incident by former player and current commentator Ramiz Raja. He asked why he had bowled the bouncer and why he had hit Ahmed on the helmet.

"You see Ramiz bhai, it's part of the game. Even I don't wish for someone to hit me for a four, so in the game, this is what a fast bowler's aggression looks like," Afridi explained.

"That's a really good thing, we really like this aggression. If you don't do it, who will?" replied Raja.

What do you think? Was Afridi in the right or should he have dealt with his ex-captain differently?

Comments

Fastrack Jun 16, 2021 02:27pm
They've already made up. The weird world of Twitter.
Recommend (0)
M. Saeed Jun 16, 2021 02:28pm
In the heat of the game, there are such reactions, which are normal. As once disclosed, when bowling his fast deliveries, Shoaib Akhtar used to have his body temperature soared to 102 degrees. That is when slightest things would aggravate tempers.
Recommend (0)
Sab Se Pehle Pakistan Jun 16, 2021 02:31pm
This is what happens when illiterate people like Shaheen Shah Afridi gets undeserving fame out of the blue. Shameless attitude.
Recommend (0)
Osayed Jun 16, 2021 02:32pm
Well done Shaheen.. Keep doing what u do best.. Bowl fast.. When a batsman steps on the pitch, he is an opponent and not a senior/captain. There is nothing wrong with what you did.
Recommend (0)
Fastrack Jun 16, 2021 02:43pm
@Sab Se Pehle Pakistan Illiterate? The only true Illiterate is one who calls another an Illiterate. Likely another disguised Indian.
Recommend (0)
Saif Jun 16, 2021 02:48pm
@Sab Se Pehle Pakistan only you seem like the illiterate one here.
Recommend (0)
Tariq Jun 16, 2021 02:54pm
Somethings seriously wrong with Sarfraz! He had a stint with Hassan in the past,he canteen control his frustration on field while playing in PSL on so many occasions. He just comes across like a gully ka cricketer not an international professional.
Recommend (0)
Watch waht you say. Jun 16, 2021 02:54pm
@Sab Se Pehle Pakistan ,Yes shaheen is illiterate and Sarafraz has PhD in ethic. That is why he behave like this.
Recommend (0)
Pak-UK Jun 16, 2021 02:56pm
Sarfaraz should be given freedom from captaincy. He acts very disgracefully on field. He must learn to behave.
Recommend (0)
Solomon The King Jun 16, 2021 02:56pm
Shaheen Shah Afridi sounds bigger than his calibre, he had acted even poorly in South Africa when he was denied any wickets in a match. Sarfraz never insults anyone on or off field unless it is misfield. He usually is very quiete. Afridi is not worth it
Recommend (0)
Solomon The King Jun 16, 2021 02:57pm
Afridi's attitude should be called for by the referrees
Recommend (0)
Pak-UK Jun 16, 2021 02:58pm
Sarafaz must learn to behave.. such a disgrace.
Recommend (0)
The Doctor Jun 16, 2021 03:11pm
I believe sarfaraz is not happy with his and team's performance that's why he is getting angry all the time and taking out frustration on someone else. Shaheen was going back to the bowling end, but suddenly he uttered some words to Shaheen which I think he should not have that in the first place.
Recommend (0)
Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Jun 16, 2021 03:19pm
United we stand, divided we fall.
Recommend (0)
Sab Se Pehle Pakistan Jun 16, 2021 03:26pm
@Fastrack : Get well soon my friend. How is the weather in Lahore?
Recommend (0)
kay kay wy Jun 16, 2021 03:54pm
@sab se pehle pak afridi ko nahi pata ta kay wo NASA kay Dr Sarfaraz ko bouncer maar raha hay... p.s Sarfaraz has served Pakistan upto his best ability and he has been rewarded, now he can make way for Rizwan, better than him.
Recommend (0)
Sarcasm Jun 16, 2021 04:25pm
@Sab Se Pehle Pakistan - how did you gauge literacy here? Oh yeah , you gotta come out of parhee likhi middle class clear urdu mindset.
Recommend (0)
Kiwi Jun 16, 2021 05:21pm
Very bad attitude from Shaheen Afridi. Shame on him.
Recommend (0)
Jacksmith Jun 16, 2021 05:31pm
What is the big deal? This all happens in competition. It is healthy. Lets not make a mountain out of a mole. Thank you Sarfraz and Shaheen for creating drama and excitement in PSL6.
Recommend (0)
sen Jun 16, 2021 05:35pm
this respect thing is how pakistan has got into a mess - corrupt leaders are shown respect cos they are old - corrupt police need to be respected because they are the police - a player who should have retired a few years ago and was a captain should be respected even though he is no longer any good and his captaincy was none existent his knowledge is lacking like a lot of pakistans captains in the past aloo an example but now because they wear a beard and are old they must be respected - respect must be earned not expected because your old or was a senior of some sort - this is why Pakistan continues in the mess it has been in for many years - the great quaid jimmy who was a genuine intelligent captain got respect due to his actions and knowledge etc - this ugly cabbage face motor mouth sarfaraz should not have spoken to afridi who is playing how we all should play to win and for his team - had he been playing for Pakistan against eng etc we would be cheering him - so cheers afridi
Recommend (0)
Tm Jun 16, 2021 05:36pm
@Sab Se Pehle Pakistan this is what happens when some never sport and gets to comment on Twitter...
Recommend (0)
RATHORE Jun 16, 2021 05:59pm
If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen. If you can't handle bouncers, stay out of first class cricket. According to this logic of "respect", a younger player should also drop a catch that would get a senior out!
Recommend (0)
Imran Jun 16, 2021 06:11pm
If Sarfaraz cannot take the heat then he should stay out of the kitchen. This was a cricket match not some high end philosophical convention where all are expected to talk very nicely to each other. Maybe another indication that it is time for Sarfaraz to retire from all forms of cricket.
Recommend (0)
Umar Jun 16, 2021 07:03pm
Mountain out of an anthill.
Recommend (0)
Aamir Jun 16, 2021 07:35pm
It is just a game, deal with it... you respect players off the field. On the field it is the bowlers job to get you out...
Recommend (0)
Ano Jun 16, 2021 07:55pm
@Sab Se Pehle Pakistan do you even watch cricket? Ya bus aiwein comments krnay ka shuaq hai?
Recommend (0)
Shazad Khalid Jun 16, 2021 07:55pm
@Sab Se Pehle Pakistan Sarfaz has been petulant all the time when he was captain of pakistan and QG. Has no diplomay skills whatsover and was even reprimanded for Racist behaviour towards a foreign visiting player. This is competition and Safraz said the first words not Shaheen
Recommend (0)
Azhar Khan Jun 16, 2021 08:18pm
Bowler should be aggressive and batsman should be brave to face the ball. There is no insult. Cricket is about skills game, batsman understand the risk when he faces talented bowlers. Be brave!
Recommend (0)
Harris Jun 16, 2021 08:18pm
@Sab Se Pehle Pakistan big words for a person of your level. Maybe you're jealous of something or have an inferiority complex of him. Afridi is one of the best around right now.
Recommend (0)
Khan Jun 16, 2021 08:23pm
Can’t have a seamer without aggressive attitude. Shows he’s got the right mindset for the game.
Recommend (0)
Anonymouseee Jun 16, 2021 11:55pm
Shahzeb was absolutely right with his behaviour and answer. Bouncer is a perfectly legal delivery. If you’re not skilled enough to play it, you should quit cricket. Bad mouthing a bowler just because he bowled a perfectly unplayable bouncer will get you NO respect.
Recommend (0)
Rahim Jun 17, 2021 03:17am
Not sure why these players go overboard after a very little fame and achievement? See many international players and learn!
Recommend (0)
Imran Khan Jun 17, 2021 04:42am
This is the Era of social meida,you do good you get praise and you do bad you get hammered....So guys becareful
Recommend (0)
Sach Jun 17, 2021 08:06am
People are commenting on ethnic lines. Pakistan has long way to go to become United.
Recommend (0)
Asad Jun 17, 2021 10:16am
@Sab Se Pehle Pakistan Sarfaraz should have learnt by now that Shaheen Afridi is son of soil, so he has to obey him no matter what, otherwise his patriotism would automatically become questionable.
Recommend (0)
Nh Jun 17, 2021 11:12am
Afridi should have ignored sarfraz comments. Sarfaraz is not any other player, he is a senior as well as an ex captain.
Recommend (0)
xid usman Jun 17, 2021 11:18am
@Tariq probably cause of the large pressure on hum from the people of our country
Recommend (0)
Kakar Jun 17, 2021 11:36am
@Sab Se Pehle Pakistan ha ha ha ha Sarfaraz ne balay pe bol manga.shaheen is such a disrespect Seeda bat pe ball Karata.seniors ko awkat nae bolni chayeye Wen i first saw news i was angry at shaheen Bt then i saw video Sarfaraz is frustrated
Recommend (0)
Imran Nazir Jun 17, 2021 12:28pm
Afridi is the future captain of Pakistan. Sarfaraz is old story.
Recommend (0)
Sibghat Khattak Jun 17, 2021 01:03pm
Sarfaraz is getting desperate day by day. Being a professional How can he mind a delivery which he can't play just Bcz it's bowled to him by a junior bowler who played under his captaincy? It's foolish. Sarfaraz should think about his behaviour in and out the field and should try to improve his batting skills also.
Recommend (0)
Kiwi Jun 17, 2021 03:49pm
@Anonymouseee Who is Shahzeb buddy? At least get the names right.
Recommend (0)
Shazwap Jun 17, 2021 04:46pm
Sarfraz is our senior captain we should respect shaheen should respect sarfraz because he is the legend of pakistan so plz respect our captain #sarfrazAhmed #respectseniors
Recommend (0)
Crickjoe8 Jun 18, 2021 08:04pm
Honestly it was great to see the aggression on both ends . Sarfraz was just tonked on his helmet , I bet you once anyone gets hit like that they aren’t thinking straight , I am assuming that was a natural reaction from Sarfraz . I guess people need to move on , nothing here to see . Insulting them both seems a little low .
Recommend (0)
Abdul Bais Jun 19, 2021 04:36am
@Sab Se Pehle Pakistan WOW. Educated comment.
Recommend (0)