Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has been ruled out of today’s highly anticipated World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 final against South Africa at Edgbaston, after medical advisors insisted he continue full rest due to ongoing fitness issues.
Despite his iconic stature and the emotional weight of the final, Afridi confirmed in a press conference in Manchester that he won’t be featuring in the match. “The doctor has advised me to rest, so I won’t be playing the final… my heart wanted to play,” he said, visibly disappointed.
The 45-year-old all-rounder hasn’t played a single game in this edition of the WCL due to lingering fitness concerns. However, his absence on the pitch hasn’t kept him away from the team. Afridi has been actively involved off the field — mentoring younger teammates, participating in practice sessions, and helping shape strategy for the tournament.
Team captain Mohammad Hafeez also addressed Afridi’s exclusion, noting that the team had seriously considered including him for the final if his condition allowed. “He’s been trying very hard to get fit. We kept checking with the physios and doctors every day, hoping for a green light,” Hafeez said. “But in the end, the medical team was clear — rest only.”
Afridi’s leadership and charisma have been a driving force behind Pakistan’s run to the final, even if not through direct contributions with bat or ball. His presence in the dugout has provided both moral support and strategic input that players have repeatedly acknowledged.
Pakistan faces a formidable South African side in today’s WCL 2025 final — a match that promises fireworks, even in the absence of one of the game’s most electrifying figures.
As fans prepare for what could be a thrilling conclusion to the tournament, they’ll have to do so knowing that “Boom Boom” Afridi will be cheering from the sidelines rather than delivering fireworks himself.
