Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi defended the government's recent fuel price hike, attributing it to the West Asia conflict and urging citizens for support. His comments, however, drew sharp criticism and backlash on social media, with many accusing him of ignoring public hardship amid the country's economic crisis.
Former Pakistan captain and all-rounder Shahid Afridi defended the country’s government on the recent fuel price hike amid the ongoing West Asia war between Iran and Israel.
Pakistan witnessed a sharp surge in fuel prices, with petrol rising to around PKR 458 per litre (INR 152) and diesel crossing PKR 520 per litre after steep hikes driven by global oil price shocks amid the ongoing conflict between US-Israel and Iran. Pakistan, which has been economically fragile in recent years, is grappling with soaring inflation and rising living costs, with the recent fuel price hike intensifying financial strain on its citizens.
The West Asia war has affected global oil supply chains, pushing crude prices higher and triggering fuel price hikes in import-dependent countries like Pakistan, further worsening the economic crisis and adding pressure both on the government and the public.
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Afridi Urges Pakistanis to Support the Government
The Pakistan Government, led by Shehbaz Sharif, has been facing severe criticism for the steep fuel price hike, with many citizens and opposition leaders questioning its handling of the economic crisis and the growing burden on the common people.
However, the government brought in former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi to calm the situation by pubicly defend its stance. In a video, Afridi urged the citizens to support the government amid the ongoing fuel crisis, emphasising unity, patience, and trust in the leadership.
“Assalamualaikum, friends. I am Shahid Afridi. Because of the war, the global energy crisis that the world is facing right now, Pakistan, Alhamdulillah, is still in a much better position than many countries,” the former Pakistan captain said.
“As Pakistanis, supporting the government and backing them is the most important thing. As Pakistanis, we should try to follow the steps that the government has taken so that there is no obstacle in the progress of the country,” he added.
The ongoing fuel crisis has severely affected the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 as the tournament is played behind closed doors, restricted to Lahore and Karachi, with venues reduced, travel limited, and the opening ceremony cancelled to cut fuel usage and costs.
Afridi Slammed for Defending the Pakistan Government
Shahid Afridi’s video of defending the Pakistan government quickly went viral on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), drawing sharp criticism and backlash, with users accusing him of ignoring public hardships and blindly supporting the authorities amid rising fuel prices and inflation.
Taking to their X handles, fans and cricket enthusiasts criticised Afridi as ‘PR face’ for the government, mocking his remarks on unity, and questioning his support despite steep fuel price hikes and growing public hardship.
Shahid Afridi doesn’t belong to any political party, but his remarks in support of the government have sparked controversy, with many questioning his stance and perceived alignment during a time of distress.
Afridi retired from international cricket in 2017, ending his 21-year career as one of Pakistan’s most celebrated all-rounders, known for his aggressive batting style, match-winning performances, and immense popularity among fans worldwide.
