FIFA honours Pakistan pacer Shaheen in tribute to global number 10s

Staff report

LAHORE: The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has paid tribute by ranking Pakistan’s fast bowler Shaheen Afridi alongside football’s greats. In a recent Instagram post by the official FIFA World Cup account, Afridi was featured alongside football giants Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr, and Luka Modrić. who are all famously associated with the iconic number 10 jersey.  The post simply captioned: “The iconic” and celebrated the global legends who have donned the number. Notably, this recognition places Afridi in elite company. This marks a unique crossover between cricket and football and underscoring the fast bowler’s rising profile on the international sports stage. According to sources, the aim of FIFA’s post is to mobilise Pakistani fans for the World Cup. FIFA’s local digital teams are working on social media fan engagement in different countries. Across the global sporting world, this rare recognition from an international football platform has reflected Shaheen’s growing stature. He has now joined the ranks of legendary athletes associated with the number 10 jersey. Additionally, Afridi just won a record-extending third PSL title as captain of Lahore Qalandars. His fans regard him as the one who loves to be loved for playing cricket. Afridi was among the first to pour onto the field to exult with his team when Sikandar Raza struck the winning runs for Lahore Qalandars.