In a thrilling Pakistan Super League (PSL) match, Karachi Kings registered an incredible last-over win against Lahore Qalandars due to a power-hitting batting performance and Lahore’s death-over bowling lethargy.
The defeat witnessed huge criticism of Lahore’s skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi, both on his performance and post-match behavior.
Karachi turned the match on its head in the 18th over, as Irfan Niazi of Karachi belted Shaheen Afridi for three back-to-back sixes, taking 21 runs off the over. Karachi required 27 runs from the last two overs—something they did with courage, poise, and raw strength.
Read more: PSL 2025: Indian broadcast crew starts leaving Pakistan amid visa revocation
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Lahore’s pace spearhead and captain, allowed 41 runs in his 3 overs, while compatriot pacer Haris Rauf spilled 40 runs in his allocation of 3 overs, but he picked up 2 wickets as well. In a commanding position right through the earlier part of the match, Lahore let go of their hold near the end, giving Karachi the opportunity to win from a losing position.
After the match, Shaheen’s post-game interview became a hot topic online. When asked what went wrong in the last five overs, the captain responded nonchalantly, “The team that plays better cricket wins. This is not the end of the tournament—we’ll meet Karachi again in the semifinals.”
Read also: Pakistan bans IPL streaming after India blocks PSL and cricketers’ social media
His dismissive response didn’t sit well with fans, many of whom took to social media to vent their frustration. One user criticized his ego, saying, “Performance is zero, but arrogance is 100%.” Another user lashed out, calling his repeated selection a product of nepotism, adding, “Shaheen has been failing for four years. It’s time to drop him and give young talent a chance.”
A wave of criticism labeled Shaheen as “arrogant,” with cricket fans demanding accountability and calling for a fresh approach ahead of crucial knockout matches. “He never learns,” one user wrote bluntly.
