COLOMBO: Pakistan's pace sensation, Shaheen Shah Afridi, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah on the joyous occasion of the birth of his child, accompanied by a thoughtful gift. The heartwarming moment was captured in a video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), where Afridi can be seen warmly congratulating Bumrah on the wonderful news. In response, the Indian pacer expressed his gratitude with a heartfelt thank you.
In the video, Afridi conveyed his warm wishes, saying, "Bhai bohot bohot mubarak ho, yeh naye shehzade k liye. Allah usko hamesh khush rakhe aur naya Bumrah bane," which translates to, "Many congratulations Bumrah bhai & to bhabhi, may Allah always keep your son happy & he becomes the new Bumrah." This sincere gesture from Afridi resonated deeply with Bumrah, who clearly appreciated the sentiment.
Jasprit Bumrah, at the age of 29, temporarily left the Indian cricket team during the Asia Cup 2023 in Sri Lanka to be by his wife Sanjana Ganesan's side in Mumbai for the birth of their child. Consequently, he had to miss India's match against Nepal, following the cancellation of the India vs. Pakistan Super 4 match due to rain.
This event showcases the camaraderie and goodwill that exists between cricketers from different nations, transcending boundaries and competition, as they come together to celebrate life's most precious moments.
Afridi's touching gesture and Bumrah's appreciative response serve as a reminder that cricket is not only about fierce rivalries on the field but also about the genuine camaraderie and sportsmanship that exist among players off the field, fostering a spirit of unity and friendship in the cricketing world.