Suresh Raina brutally mocks Pakistani journalist for taunting him using Shahid Afridi’s name

Recently Suresh Raina on air said that he isn’t Shahid Afridi to come out of retirement.

Former India batter Suresh Raina roasted a Pakistani journalist who tried to taunt him by pointing out that Shahid Afridi has been appointed as an ICC ambassador for the T20 World Cup 2024.

Pakistan veteran Afridi was revealed on Friday as the latest addition to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador roster, which already includes Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle, and Usain Bolt. The former Pakistani all-rounder competed in six T20 World Cups. He starred in Pakistan’s title victory in 2009.

However, Afridi was also known for retiring from the game and making a U-turn soon. He did it a few times in international cricket and occasionally gets trolled for that.

Recently, even Raina referred to Afridi when he was asked during commentary whether he will come out of retirement to play for India again. The incident occurred during Qualifier 1 match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.

While on Hindi commentary duties for Jio Cinema, former India opener Aakash Chopra questioned Raina if he had any plans to reconsider his retirement, given that he is still 37 years old.

The ever-witty Raina replied: “Suresh Raina hu, Shahid Afridi nahi” (I am Suresh Raina, not Shahid Afridi),” referencing former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi’s multiple return from retirements.

Remember the game at Mohali?- Suresh Raina reminds a Pakistan journalist of his achievement on being taunted

Raina declared his retirement from international cricket in 2020 alongside MS Dhoni, and he retired from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after going unsold at the IPL 2022 auction. The former left-handed batsman has been an active commentator since his retirement.

Raina’s reference to Afridi in his response prompted numerous Pakistani fans to go to X (formerly Twitter) to express their displeasure, viewing it as a disrespect to the former Pakistan cricket team captain.

In the same vein, Pakistan Dawn News journalist Imran Siddique attempted to poke fun at Raina, reminding him that Afridi was an ambassador for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.

He tweeted: “ICC has named Shahid Afridi as an ambassador for ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Hello Suresh Raina?” 

In response, Raina decided to pour salt on Pakistani fans’ wounds by reminding the journalist of the 2011 World Cup semi-final in Mohali, in which India defeated Pakistan. He also stated that despite not being an ambassador for the T20 World Cup, he has the 2011 World Cup trophy at home.

“I’m not an ICC ambassador, but I have the 2011 World Cup at my house. Remember the game at Mohali? Hope it brings back some unforgettable memories for you,” he replied.

I’m not an ICC ambassador, but I have the 2011 World Cup at my house. Remember the game at Mohali? Hope it brings back some unforgettable memories for you. https://t.co/5H3zIGmS33

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) May 24, 2024

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