Pakistan’s star fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and his wife, Ansha Afridi, have been blessed with a baby boy named Ali Yar Afridi. The joyful announcement was made by the Afridi family on social media, where they shared their happiness with fans and well-wishers worldwide. The news has sparked an outpouring of love and congratulations, with fans, cricketers, and celebrities joining in the celebration of the couple’s new addition.
Shaheen, who is currently part of Pakistan’s Test squad, received warm congratulations from his teammates and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The PCB also extended their heartfelt wishes to the couple, adding to the wave of celebratory messages pouring in from all corners of the globe.
The arrival of baby Ali Yar Afridi had been a topic of speculation since July, when Pakistan’s red-ball coach, Jason Gillespie, hinted that Shaheen might miss the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh to be with his wife for the birth. Gillespie had stated, “Shaheen may miss the Bangladesh Test matches due to the arrival of his child. We can give him some rest if he wishes to stay with his wife until then.”
Shaheen, who has been a key player for Pakistan in all formats of the game, is currently engaged in a two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The first Test kicked off in Rawalpindi on August 21, and Shaheen is expected to travel to Karachi after the conclusion of the match to reunite with his family. He is likely to return to the team ahead of the second Test, which is scheduled to begin on August 30.
The news of Shaheen’s fatherhood has added a new dimension to the ongoing Test series, with fans eagerly awaiting his return to the field. The fast bowler, who has consistently impressed with his performances, is now receiving praise not just for his cricketing prowess but also for embracing the joys of fatherhood.
Shaheen and Ansha’s love story has been followed closely by fans since their engagement in 2021. Ansha, the second-eldest daughter of former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi, and Shaheen have been admired as one of Pakistan’s most beloved celebrity couples. Their nikah was held in a private ceremony in February last year, followed by a week of wedding festivities and Ansha’s rukhsati in September 2023.
The couple has often shared glimpses of their life together on social media, endearing themselves to fans. Just recently, Shaheen penned a heartwarming anniversary message to his wife, referring to her as his “lifeline.” This affectionate gesture further endeared him to fans and added to the joy surrounding their growing family.
As the Afridi family celebrates the arrival of baby Ali Yar, the cricketing world joins them in their happiness. Shaheen’s fans are eagerly awaiting his return to the field, where he will undoubtedly continue to make his mark as one of Pakistan’s finest fast bowlers. In the meantime, the spotlight remains on the new father and his family, as they embark on this exciting new chapter in their lives.