Matthew Breetzke (R) collides into Shaheen Shah Afridi through the Tri-Nation conflict in Karachi on February 12, 2025. — PCB
KARACHI: Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi has addressed the heated on-field argument with South African batter Matthew Breetzke through the Tri-Nation sequence conflict on Wednesday.
The Proteas batter had almost bumped into the Pakistani pacer as he ran between the wickets, prompting Shaheen to confront him after he appeared displeased over the motion.
Breetzke once more virtually bumped into Shaheen in the identical over whereas he was taking a single.
The 2 gamers exchanged phrases on the non-striker’s finish, participating in a heated argument earlier than the on-field umpire and Pakistani gamers intervened to separate them.
Talking in a latest interview, Shaheen admitted that he had teased Breetzke in an try to unsettle him and take his wicket. Nevertheless, he clarified that the stress remained confined to the sector.
“For the first time, Matthew didn’t say anything. I kept teasing him to get a wicket. Whatever happened on the field stayed there,” Shaheen defined.
He additional revealed that after the match, each gamers shook arms and put the incident behind them. “Matthew and I met, shook hands, and became good friends,” he added.
Along with addressing his trade with Breetzke, Shaheen spoke about Pakistan’s struggles within the remaining overs of matches.
“We admit that we haven’t been performing well in the final overs,” he stated.
Offering an replace on his finger damage, Shaheen reassured followers that his situation had improved. “The X-ray confirmed everything is fine, though there is still some swelling. I hope it will get better soon,” he shared.
The pacer additionally pressured the dedication of cricketers to their respective nations. “Other players play for their country, and we play for ours,” he said.
Addressing the position of the media, Shaheen highlighted its affect on the cricketing world. “The media has an important role. The messages you send on social media are seen by everyone. Whatever good the media highlights reaches the entire world.”
He concluded with a message of unity throughout the nationwide crew. “Here, there is no Babar or Shaheen; there is only Pakistan. As long as there is negativity, there will be no progress anywhere.”
For the unversed, the Males in Inexperienced reached the ultimate of the tri-nation sequence after defeating the Proteas by six wickets in a record-breaking 352-run chase, courtesy of outstanding centuries by skipper Mohammad Rizwan and deputy Salman Ali Agha.
The duo added a report 260 runs for the fourth wicket earlier than Lungi Ngidi dismissed Salman on the fifth supply of the penultimate over.
Agha top-scored for Pakistan with 134 off 103 deliveries, studded with 16 fours and two sixes.
Rizwan, however, carried his bat by the innings with an unbeaten 122 off 128 deliveries, laced with 9 fours and three sixes.
The hosts will now tackle New Zealand within the remaining of the sequence on February 14 on the Nationwide Financial institution Stadium, Karachi.
