Shahid Afridi Reveals he has Coronavirus

Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi announced on Saturday, June 13, 2020, that he has Coronavirus.

The 40-year-old took to Twitter to reveal that he had tested positive for the virus after feeling unwell.

Afridi’s announcement means he has become the most high-profile cricketer to contract Covid-19.

The all-rounder posted on Twitter:

“I’ve been feeling unwell since Thursday; my body had been aching badly.

“I’ve been tested and unfortunately, I’m Covid positive. Need prayers for a speedy recovery, InshaAllah.”

Following his announcement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wished Afridi a “swift recovery”.

I’ve been feeling unwell since Thursday; my body had been aching badly. I’ve been tested and unfortunately I’m covid positive. Need prayers for a speedy recovery, InshaAllah #COVID19 #pandemic #hopenotout #staysafe #stayhome

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) June 13, 2020

Journalist Fifi Haroon also wished the cricketer a speedy recovery saying that Afridi “has done more for this country and for those afflicted by corona in the last few weeks than many have ventured to do in a whole lifetime”.

Afridi is the second cricketer from Pakistan to test positive for the virus.

Former Pakistani international Taufeeq Umar also tested positive for the virus but recovered from it in early June.

Since the outbreak began in Pakistan, Shahid Afridi has been doing a lot of charity work through his foundation “Hope Not Out”.

He has helped thousands of poor families with rations and other essential supplies to help them through the pandemic.

Afridi had appealed for donations in order to help people affected by the deadly virus.

His goodwill gesture led to overwhelming support from leading cricketers. This included the former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh.

Another cricketer who lent his support for Shahid’s Covid-19 fund was Harbhajan Singh.

In a video message, Harbhajan praised the ongoing work and called on other cricketers to make similar appeals.

The off-spinner spoke about the success of the foundation, which is delivering essential items to the poor.

However, the two Indian cricketers later regretted their decision to back the fund after Afridi made anti-India comments.

Harbhajan was left especially angry, saying that he is not worthy of his friendship.

Harbhajan said: “This is very upsetting what Shahid Afridi has come up with, talking ill about our country and our Prime Minister. This is just not acceptable.”

He added: “It was Afridi who requested me and Yuvi to do a video in support of his foundation as spread of pandemic doesn’t see religion or borders.

“But then he would time and again make anti-India comments.

“I feel terrible that I even called him a friend. He is not a worthy human being who can be called a friend. I am done with calling Afridi a friend.”