Shahid Afridi’s Show Of Respect Towards His Former Captain Misbah-ul-Haq Is Applause-Worthy

Every sport requires a healthy level of sportsmanship among its players. And cricket is no different, especially since it’s often touted as a ‘gentleman’s game’. However, sometimes that is not the case with this high spirited game. In fact, it was just last week that the Bangladeshi team was under severe scrutiny for their unsportsmanlike behaviour (read the naagin dance).

This week though is a different story.

Shahid Afridi has had a very successful run in the Pakistan Super League(PSL) this year so far, where he is playing for the Karachi Kings. He even left his fans in awe with a phenomenal catch.

This former Pakistan team captain has taken 13 wickets this season and has been one of the main catalysts for Karachi Kings qualifying for the playoffs. His wicket-taking celebrations have been just as amusing.

However, during the qualifier game against the Islamabad United, Afridi chose not to celebrate the wicket of his former captain Misbah-ul-Haq.

OUT! 8.6 Shahid Afridi to Misbah-ul-Haq
Watch ball by ball highlights at https://t.co/oP4tJ0o7mP#IUvKK #HBLPSL #PSL2018 @_cricingif pic.twitter.com/FYBXNaGs3h

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 16, 2018

After clean bowling Misbah-ul-Haq, Afridi almost starts his trademark celebration when he suddenly seems to realise who he was playing against. The bowler then proceeds to walk away without making a show of it.

This show of respect by Afridi has garnered him applause from cricket-fans all over.

1. Showing the kids how it’s done.

Shahid Afridi vs Misbah Ul Haq – The way Afridi decided not to celebrate 😍😍

– This was Afridi's 5th Maiden over in PSL, Most by any bowler.
– Afridi completed 300 T20 wickets in the next over, Most by any Pakistani.#KKvIU @NaziaMemon01 pic.twitter.com/FueWYA8OaA

— RehmaN HameeD (@IamRHB) March 16, 2018

2. He truly is a legend.

Lala Cleaned Bowled Misbah but didn't Celebrate Shahid Afridi You Beauty😍#RespectLegends@SAfridiOfficial pic.twitter.com/I4t24o2CvB

— Ayesha🇵🇰 (@AyeshaAfridian) March 17, 2018

3. Embodying the phrase “Give respect and take respect”.

Shaheen Shah Afridi did not celebrate after taking Shahid Afridi's wicket and Shahid Afridi did not celebrate after taking Misbah's wicket. #Repect

— Fazal Aslam – Fazi 🇵🇰 (@Faxal_Aslam) March 16, 2018

4. Much deserved respect.

He was about to celebrate in his own style BUT then he realised it’s misbah and he stopped..
Thats shahid Afridi fir u..#respect

#KKvIU

— اسد (@majZ00B1) March 16, 2018

5. Being a role model to his fans.

Showing respect to Misbah by Shahid Afridi is really professionallisim. It am proud to be of him, especially the personality like Shahid Afridi. @SAfridiOfficial #KKvIU pic.twitter.com/RfAo80OLwS

— Abdullah Saleem (@AbdullahSalim01) March 16, 2018

6. Much love for his show of respect.

Shahid Afridi doesn's celebrate after taking wicket of Misbah
Lala you are just love @SAfridiOfficial #Legend #ourProud

— Mari🖤 (@GoSleepMarii) March 16, 2018

This is not the first time that Afridi has been lauded for his show of respect and sportsmanship. Remember when he won all our hearts with his mindful gesture towards the Indian flag? No wonder Team India sent him a thoughtful gift when he announced his retirement last year.

All young cricketers and players in all sports actually, could learn a lesson or two on sportsmanship from Shahid Afridi.