Lahore Qalandars Gift Star Bowler Shaheen Afridi a 24K Gold-Plated iPhone 16 Pro
In the electrifying world of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024, where on-field heroics often steal the spotlight, an off-field moment has captured the imagination of cricket fans worldwide. Lahore Qalandars, one of the league’s most celebrated franchises, have raised the bar for player appreciation by gifting their captain and star fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, a jaw-dropping 24K gold-plated iPhone 16 Pro. This extravagant gesture has gone viral, adding a golden sheen to an already thrilling season.
The gift, a custom-designed masterpiece, was presented to Afridi after a standout performance in a recent match, symbolizing the franchise’s immense admiration for their talismanic leader. Lahore Qalandars shared the unboxing moment on their official social media channels, with a caption that read: “The iPhone has landed! Our Captain Qalandar receives a gift he’s worthy of. A custom 24K gold-plated iPhone 16 Pro, crafted exclusively for Lahore Qalandars’ main man, Shaheen!” The video, showcasing Afridi’s surprised smile and his candid reaction—“Ye heavy hai (This is heavy)”—as he held the luxurious device, has racked up millions of views in mere hours.
This isn’t the first time PSL franchises have grabbed headlines with quirky or lavish rewards. Earlier in the season, Karachi Kings amused fans by gifting England batter James Vince a hairdryer and pacer Hasan Ali a beard trimmer for their match-winning contributions. However, Lahore Qalandars have taken player rewards to an entirely new level with this opulent gift, reportedly valued at over PKR 5 million, reflecting both creativity and the franchise’s deep pockets. Shaheen Afridi, who has led the Qalandars to consecutive PSL titles in 2022 and 2023, is no stranger to accolades, but this gesture stands out as a unique tribute to his leadership and skill.
Adding to the lighthearted buzz, Afridi’s teammate and fellow speedster Haris Rauf couldn’t hide his playful envy. In the viral clip, Rauf jokingly protested, “No brother, this is unfair,” drawing laughter from the squad and endearing fans further to the team’s camaraderie. Moments like these highlight the vibrant, entertaining spirit of the PSL, often dubbed as one of the most exciting T20 leagues globally, with a fanbase that thrives on such off-field drama as much as the on-field action.
As the PSL 2024 season progresses, with Lahore Qalandars aiming for a historic third consecutive title under Afridi’s captaincy, this golden gift has only amplified the spotlight on the team. Shaheen, known for his fiery pace and match-defining spells—he recently surpassed 100 PSL wickets, becoming one of the league’s most prolific bowlers—now carries an added aura of luxury. Will this dazzling reward inspire him to even greater heights? Only time will tell, but for now, the cricket world is abuzz with the story of a phone that shines as brightly as its owner’s talent.