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Tuesday September 10, 2024

Shaheen Afridi launches Manchester United kit at Old Trafford

Shaheen Afridi becomes first Pakistani Muslim athlete to launch Manchester United kit in a major collaboration

By Faizan Lakhani & Murtaza Ali Shah
August 08, 2024
Shaheen Afridi is seen during a photoshoot at the stadium in Old Trafford. — photo provided by reporters
Shaheen Afridi is seen during a photoshoot at the stadium in Old Trafford. — photo provided by reporters

LONDON/KARACHI: In a landmark collaboration, Pakistan cricket sensation Shaheen Shah Afridi has made history by becoming the first Muslim, Asian, and Pakistani athlete to officially launch the new Manchester United football kit.

The fast bowler visited Old Trafford, the iconic home of Manchester United, for this special event, which marks a significant partnership between the cricket star and one of the world’s most prestigious football clubs.

Shaheen Afridi is seen donning the number 10 jersey with Afridi written on it. — photo provided by reporters
Shaheen Afridi is seen donning the number 10 jersey with Afridi written on it. — photo provided by reporters

A source within Manchester United shared with Geo News the club's excitement about working with Afridi. "This collaboration is particularly meaningful," the source stated.

"Shaheen Shah Afridi was invited by the Old Trafford administration to launch the official kit, recognising his athletic achievements and inspiring more young people to engage in sports. We anticipate further collaborations with Afridi in the future."

Cricket star Afridi is seen playing with a football while sporting a Manchester United jersey. — photo provided by reporters
Cricket star Afridi is seen playing with a football while sporting a Manchester United jersey. — photo provided by reporters

Video footage from the event captures Afridi proudly donning the official Manchester United kit at the historic stadium, symbolising a bridge between cricket and football.

Pakistans cricket star Shaheen Shah Afridi poses with a jersey of Manchester United. — photo provided by reporters
Pakistan's cricket star Shaheen Shah Afridi poses with a jersey of Manchester United. — photo provided by reporters

Earlier this year, Shaheen Afridi had a chance encounter with Manchester United’s owner, Avram Glazer, in Dubai. At the time, Afridi was competing in the UAE’s ILT20 league for the Desert Vipers. During their brief conversation, Glazer extended an invitation to Afridi to visit Old Trafford and presented him with a Manchester United jersey — a gesture that set the stage for the recent collaboration.

Shaheen Afridi is seen during a photoshoot at the stadium in Old Trafford. — photo provided by reporters
Shaheen Afridi is seen during a photoshoot at the stadium in Old Trafford. — photo provided by reporters

Afridi made a special trip from Pakistan to participate in the kit launch, underscoring the significance of this partnership in his career.