Shahid Afridi has refuted allegations of endorsing the Zionist movement after Friends of Israel (FOI), an organization advocating for Israel, posted a photo with the cricket star claiming he supported their call to release hostages. In the image taken in Manchester, Afridi is seen with two men, one holding a flyer about Israeli babies allegedly abducted by Hamas, with the hashtag #BringThemHome. FOI stated that Afridi was pictured with their co-chair and deputy chair and thanked him for his backing.
Afridi responded to the controversy with disbelief, cautioning against believing everything posted online. He explained, “Imagine walking down a street in Manchester (UK) and fans approach you for a selfie. You agree, and shortly after, they upload it as a supposed endorsement of Zionism.” He continued, “Witnessing the suffering of innocent lives in Palestine is truly heartbreaking. Therefore, any photo or association shared while in Manchester does not indicate my support for any situation where human lives are in jeopardy.”
Afridi emphasized that he takes pictures with fans worldwide and viewed this situation similarly. He also expressed prayers for peace, freedom, and an end to the conflict.
