Former Pakistan international Imran Farhat hits out at Shahid Afridi; says he ruined many careers

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi’s autobiography ‘Game Changer’ has been quite a sensation. Be it his views on Kashmir or the 2010 spot-fixing scandal or the revelation of his real age, the batting all-rounder’s book has been making headlines with great intensity. Now, another controversy seems to have emanated as former Pakistan international Imran Farhat has spoken out strongly against Afridi, alleging that the latter has been a “selfish player” who ruined several careers.

In the book which got released recently, Afridi has lashed out at many former cricketers of his country including Javed Miandad, Waqar Younis and also ex-Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir. The book has also been co-authored by journalist Wajahat S Khan. The 36-year-old Farhat said in a series of the tweet that he was ashamed to learn that Afridi, who he said lied for 20 years about his age, is naming and blaming some of Pakistan’s legendary cricketers.

Farhat ashamed of Afridi

“I am utterly ashamed of what I have heard and read so far regarding this new book of Afridi, someone who has lied about his age for 20 odd years now decides to come clean and name and blame some of our living legends,” India Today cited reports as quoting Farhat.

“I have a lot of stories to tell regarding this so-called saint we have had the pleasure of playing with. He sure is talented enough to become a politician,” he added.

Farhat, who played 40 Tests, 58 ODIs and seven T20Is for Pakistan between 2001 and 2013, also urged the cricketers who Afridi had targeted to “speak up and tell the truth”.

“I have a fair few stories to tell and I urge all the players who have been named and shamed to speak up and tell the truth about this selfish player who has ruined plenty of careers for his own good,” the cricketer added.

Afridi has been one of Pakistan’s top all-rounders with over 11k runs and 540 wickets and continues to play in franchise cricket. He also led Pakistan in the 2011 World Cup but lost to India in the semi-final.