Pakistan’s star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi was recently welcomed to Old Trafford, the historic home of Manchester United, where he became the first Muslim, Asian, and Pakistani athlete to officially launch the club’s new football kit.
During his visit, Afridi, who has been taking a well-deserved break in the United Kingdom after a demanding cricket season, was seen exploring the legendary stadium. The football club arranged an exclusive event for the fast bowler, where he was presented with a personalised Manchester United jersey.
The jersey, emblazoned with “Afridi” and the iconic No. 10—previously worn by football greats such as David Beckham, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Wayne Rooney—was a nod to Afridi’s own status as a sports icon.
Manchester United shared images of Afridi on their social media platforms, where he was seen donning the team’s kit and posing in the dugout.
The club captioned the image with “The eagle has landed,” alongside an eagle emoji, reflecting their enthusiasm for the visit.
A source within Manchester United revealed that Afridi was invited by the Old Trafford administration to officially launch the new kit, recognising his contributions to sports and his influence on young athletes.
“This collaboration is particularly meaningful,” the source stated, hinting at the possibility of future partnerships with the Pakistani cricketer.
The event marks a significant moment in the intersection of cricket and football, symbolising a bridge between the two sports and highlighting Afridi’s global appeal.
The historic occasion was celebrated by fans across both sports, making Afridi’s visit to Old Trafford a memorable event.