Pakistan’s fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and his wife, Ansha Afridi, have welcomed their first child. The couple shared the joyous news on Saturday, delighting fans and well-wishers worldwide.
Marriage and Family Background
Shaheen married Ansha Afridi, the daughter of legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi, in February 2023. Their nikkah ceremony took place at a local mosque in Karachi, attended by close family members from both sides.
Announcement of the Birth
The Afridi family announced the birth of the couple’s baby boy on social media. The news was met with an outpouring of congratulations from fans, fellow cricketers, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The couple has named their son Ali Yar.
Shahid Afridi Becomes a Grandfather
Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi, now a proud grandfather, celebrated the arrival of his first grandchild. The birth of Ali Yar marks a new chapter in the Afridi family.
Expecting Their First Child
In July, reports surfaced that Shaheen and Ansha were expecting their first child. The news sparked discussions about Shaheen’s potential absence from the then-upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.
Impact on Shaheen’s Cricket Career
Pakistan’s red-ball coach, Jason Gillespie, had mentioned the possibility of Shaheen missing the Test series due to the impending birth. “Shaheen can miss Bangladesh Test matches due to childbirth,” Gillespie noted, indicating that the star pacer might be given some rest to spend time with his wife and newborn.
Current Cricket Engagements
Currently, Pakistan is engaged in a two-match Test series against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, with the first Test having started on August 21. It remains to be seen how the birth of his son will impact Shaheen’s participation in the series.