IND v PAK Asia Cup 2022: Indian players meet injured Shaheen Shah Afridi ahead of clash

New Delhi: India-Pakistan games are full of emotions and off-field friendships. Indian players went to meet injured Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has been ruled out of the Asia Cup 2022. In a video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), some of the Indian cricketers can be seen sharing friendly moments with Shaheen.

In the video, India spinner Yuzvendra Chahal can be seen approaching Shaheen and they share a warm hug. Next, Virat Kohli approaches the pacer and inquires about the injury. Later, the Pakistani bowler was seen sharing a laugh with India wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.

Shaheen can be heard saying, ‘Yaar main soch raha hu aapki tarah bas batting shuru kar du, ek haath se chhakke lagaau (I’m thinking of becoming a batter like you, start hitting sixes with a single hand).” To this, Pant replies, “Kyu, bowling mai zyaada effort lagta hai? Fast bowler ho toh effort lagaana padega sir! Compulsory hai (Why, there’s more effort in bowling? If you’re a fast bowler, you have to put in efforts. It’s compulsory).” Shaheen then wishes Pant for the game and says that he will be there to watch it.

Stars align ahead of the #AsiaCup2022 ?

A high-profile meet and greet on the sidelines ? pic.twitter.com/c5vsNCi6xw

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 25, 2022

Shaheen also meets India’s vice-captain KL Rahul, who asks about the recovery. Shaheen replies that he will be fit in five weeks, till the World Cup. They share a warm handshake and part ways. In the video, India and Pakistan’s coaching staff can also be seen meeting and greeting each other.

Shaheen is currently with the Pakistan squad in UAE and is undergoing rehab under Pakistan’s fast bowling coach Shaun Tait. He got his right knee’s ligament injured while fielding in the first Test against Sri Lanka last month. The pacer has been replaced by Mohammad Hasnain in the squad.