Cricket News

‘No matter how much money is needed…’ Former Pakistan player recounts how Shahid Afridi helped him in his time of need

Imran Nazir had made 33 off 14 balls in the 20-20 World Cup final against India.

Mar 24, 2023 2:33 pm

When it comes to Pakistan Cricket, the unexpected is always expected. A terror attack took place on Pakistan soil in 2009 which stopped cricket in the country. Recently, there have been a lot of scathing words about current players by former players. Former Pakistan players have had infighting over the composition of the national side.

Imran Nazir talked about a heartwarming story and the struggles that he had to go through before Shahid Afridi helped him out. The right-hander said that someone poised him when he was at his best as a player. He said Afridi funded his treatment when Nazir had exhausted all his savings.

Shahid Afridi had spent around 40 to 50 lakh PKR for my treatment – Imran Nazir

“When I recently got treated, including MRI and all, a statement was issued that I was given poison – mercury. It is a slow poison; it reaches your joint and damages them. For 8-10 years, all my joints were treated. All my joints had got damaged and for this reason, I suffered for almost 6-7 years. But even then, I prayed to God, ‘Please don’t make me bedridden’. And thankfully, that never happened,” Nazir recounted his sad tale on the Nadir Ali Podcast.

“I used to walk around and all when people used to ask ‘You’re looking fine’. I doubted a lot of people but when and what did I eat, I cannot figure out. Because the poison doesn’t react instantly. It kills you for years. I still never wished bad for whoever did this. The person saving is better than the one who wants to kill,” Nazir added. Nazir played a wonderful knock of 33 off 14 balls to give Pakistan a great start in the 2007 20-20 World Cup final. India won the game by 5 runs

“He helped me in my time of need. I had nothing left when I met Shahid bhai. Within a day, my doctor received the money in his account. He said ‘No matter how much money is needed, my brother should get well’. He spent around 40-50 lakh,” The Asia Cup will be held in Pakistan this year.