Watch: Mohammad Rizwan was in jovial spirits during Pakistan quick Shaheen Afridi’s 50th T20I cap presentation ahead of Pakistan’s clash against New Zealand today (April 17).
Shaheen, who made his T20I debut in 2018 against West Indies, played his 50th game on Monday in the format after being named in the XI for the third game against New Zealand. Ahead of the clash, the Pakistan team gathered around Shaheen to celebrate his feat, with skipper Babar Azam paying a tribute to the speedster before proceeding to hand him a commemorative cap.
Babar was heard saying, “This is Shaheen’s 50th T20I and we wish him all the best.” While the captain was uttering the words, wicketkeeper Rizwan snuck in from behind and hugged Babar as he looked to block the cap in the latter’s hands. Babar smiled as he realised it was Rizwan behind him.
Babar then proceeded to have a one-on-one conversation with Shaheen before presenting the cap to the left-armer, after Rizwan had backed away. He went on to hug Shaheen, but Rizwan was still lurking around, as he started ruffling the 23-year-old’s hair with his keeping gloves. Babar too followed and started messing up Shaheen’s hair as a faint audio of “Na karo na karo, baal kharab ho gaye [Don’t do that… you have spoilt his hair]” could be heard.
Shaheen did not have to wait long for a wicket, as he bowled Chad Bowes for a nine-ball seven in his second over.
Watch Rizwan’s antics here:
.@iShaheenAfridi receives his 50th T20I cap from skipper @babarazam258 🧢#PAKvNZ | #CricketMubarak pic.twitter.com/kdrCY0CUVe
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 17, 2023