Israeli protesters claim Shahid Afridi himself "approached them for a selfie"

Former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi landed in hot waters after he allegedly took a picture with Israeli protesters in the UK.

The controversy arose when an Israeli organisation, named North West Friends of Israel, shared a picture of its protesters posing with Afridi during their demonstration for the release of alleged hostages.

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Pakistani international cricketer @SAfridiOfficial stopped to offer his support for our call to release the hostages at our NWFOI vigil last Sunday in Manchester.

Shahid is pictured with NWFOI co Chair Raphi Bloom & deputy Chair Bernie Yaffe.

Thank you for your support,… pic.twitter.com/F05wBSnpoo

— NW Friends of Israel (@NorthWestFOI) June 19, 2024

After the picture went viral on social media, fans lashed out at the 47-year-old all-rounder for taking a picture with the oppressors, who are committing war crimes in Palestine.

However, Afridi cleared the air claiming that he was not aware of the people who stopped him for a selfie.

“Imagine strolling down a street in Manchester (UK) and so-called fans approach you for a selfie. You oblige, and moments later, they upload it as some form of Zionist endorsement. Unbelievable! Please don't believe everything that is uploaded,” he said in a post on X.

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Imagine strolling down a street in Manchester (UK) and so-called fans approach you for a selfie. You oblige, and moments later, they upload it as some form of Zionist endorsement. Unbelievable! Please don't believe everything that is uploaded.

Seeing innocent lives in Palestine…

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) June 19, 2024

“Seeing innocent lives in Palestine suffer is truly heartbreaking," he explained, adding that the photo does not imply any support for any cause "where human lives are at stake."

Afridi further said that he routinely takes pictures with fans worldwide, and "this situation was no different". 

In response, the Israeli organisation claimed that Afridi himself approached them for a picture despite knowing about the protest they were holding.

"When Shahid Afridi approached us he was wearing a mask. We had NO idea who he was. We repeat. HE APPROACHED US," the organisation said in a post.

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➡️ When @SAfridiOfficial approached US he was wearing a mask.
➡️ We had NO idea who he was. We repeat. HE APPROACHED US.
➡️ He started talking to one of our group who was handing out leaflets.
➡️ HE took off his mask and HE asked for pictures by walking to the main group to… pic.twitter.com/aAfCZDpDBX

— NW Friends of Israel (@NorthWestFOI) June 20, 2024

NWFOI further claimed that Afridi had offered his support for their cause willingly.

"Can Shahid Afridi read English? He can. Did he see we were standing there with huge placards for Israel hostages? Yes he did. Did he agree to a selfie with us with hostage leaflets in front of his face? YES. Shahid Afridi knew what he was doing and offered his support WILLINGLY. You might not like it but it's true. Deal with it!"