Shahid Afridi, a renowned Pakistani cricketerPakistani cricketer, has faced significant backlash on Twitter after a photo emerged of him with North West Friends of Israel (NWFOI) co-chair Raphi Bloom and deputy chair Bernie Yaffe.

The image, shared by NWFOI, thanked Afridi for his supposed support at their Manchester vigil, which aimed to raise awareness for the release of hostages.

NWFOI’s tweet read: “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, Shahid!”

The post sparked outrage among Afridi’s Pakistani fans, who viewed it as an endorsement of Israel amidst the sensitive Israel-Palestine conflict. Given Pakistan’s strong pro-Palestinian stance, the photo was seen as controversial.

Here’s what social media users said:

In response, Shahid Afridi took to Twitter to clarify: “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 added, “Seeing innocent lives in Palestine suffer is truly heartbreaking. Thus, any photo or association shared in Manchester does not reflect my support for any situation where human lives are at stake. I take pictures with fans from all over the globe, and this situation was no different.”

Afridi’s statement aimed to distance himself from any political implications and emphasize his stance on peace and humanity.