'Taliban have come with a very positive mind' - Shahid Afridi makes a controversial statement

The former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi always finds ways by giving controversial statements. This time around he has stated that Taliban militants, who have recently seized control over Afghanistan, have come with a ‘positive mind’. Afridi also asserted that the Taliban is positive towards cricket and has supported the sport.

“Taliban have come with a very positive mind. They’re allowing ladies to work. And I believe Taliban like cricket a lot. Taliban is giving jobs to ladies, supporting cricket, and the cricket series against Pakistan as well. Taliban is very positive towards cricket,” Afridi told the media in Pakistan on Monday as reported by DNA.

Meanwhile, the former Pakistan all-rounder has hinted at his retirement from cricket post the 2022 edition of the Pakistan Super League. Afridi is currently one of the most successful all-rounders in the history of the PSL. In the 50 matches that he has featured in, Afridi has scored 465 runs and picked up 44 wickets.

❝Taliban have come with a very positive mind. They're allowing ladies to work. And I believe Taliban like cricket a lot❞ Shahid Afridi. He should be Taliban's next PM. pic.twitter.com/OTV8zDw1yu

— Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) August 30, 2021

Maybe this ends up being my last PSL: Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi has played in the PSL, featuring three franchises- Karachi Kings, Peshawar Zalmi, and Multan Sultans. However, he wishes to bid adieu to the game after playing for Quetta Gladiators. The team is currently captained by former national captain Sarfaraz Ahmed.

“Maybe this ends up being my last PSL. I would like to play for Quetta Gladiators this season, provided Multan allows me to leave. If Nadeem Omar and Quetta’s owners want to have me, I would love to represent them,” Afridi was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Afridi was part of the defending champions Sultans, who secured victory in the 2021 PSL after beating the Zalmi in the finals. He featured in the first leg of PSL 2021 at the Karachi National Stadium. However, he missed the second half of the tournament held in the United Arab Emirates owing to a back injury.

In the Pakistan Super League, Afridi’s strike rate of 153.46 is the third best after that of Kieron Pollard (166.24) and Luke Ronchi (166.12) for batters who have played a minimum of 30 innings. Recently, he also played in the 2021 edition of the Kashmir Premier League for the Rawalakot Hawks.