"I Have The 2011 World Cup At My House"- Suresh Raina's Savage Response To Pakistan Journalist's 'Shahid Afridi' Jibe Goes Viral

Pakistan superstar Shahid Afridi was announced on Friday as the latest name on the star-studded roster of Ambassadors for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 in West Indies and USA, featuring Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle, and Usain Bolt. The former all-rounder is a veteran of six T20 World Cups, two of which he captained Pakistan and led the side to a stellar title win in 2009. He even put on a Player of the Match performance in the final at the Lord's. Following the big announcement, a Pakistan journalist tweeted the same on X, formerly known as Twitter, tagging former India cricketer Suresh Raina in the post. In a savage reply that reignited old wounds for Pakistan cricket fans, Chinna Thala Suresh Raina reminded the Pakistani journalist about India's memorable 2011 World Cup semi-final victory over Men in Green in Mohali.

Suresh Raina's savage response to Pakistan journalist's 'Shahid Afridi' jibe goes viral

The exchange started when a journalist made a comment about Raina, pointing out that former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi was named an ambassador for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, while Raina was not given that honour. The journalist's remark came after Raina spoke about Afridi's multiple retirements from international cricket while commenting on JioCinema. During Qualifier 1 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Ahmedabad, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra asked Raina if he had any plans to come out of his retirement.

Raina responded, "Suresh Raina hu, Shahid Afridi nahi" (I am Suresh Raina, not Shahid Afridi) on air.

Ahead of the World Cup, the ICC has announced Pakistan's iconic all-rounder Shahid Afridi as the latest name on the star-studded roster of Ambassadors for the showpiece event in the USA and West Indies, which begins on June 1. Following the big announcement, a Pakistan journalist tweeted the same on X, formerly known as Twitter, tagging former India cricketer Suresh Raina in the post.

Taking the opportunity, a Pakistani journalist took a jibe at Raina. "ICC has named Shahid Afridi as an ambassador for ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Hello Suresh Raina?" his post read on X.

In a savage reply that reignited old wounds for Pakistan cricket fans, Chinna Thala Suresh Raina reminded the Pakistani journalist about India's memorable 2011 World Cup semi-final victory over Men in Green in Mohali. The former India batter was quick to reply, which rekindled old memories of the India and Pakistan rivalry.

"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," Raina responded.

India will kick off their campaign against Ireland on June 5 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. They will then face Pakistan at the same venue on June 9. The other teams in Group A of the tournament are co-hosts USA and Canada. The Indian players have not yet left for the T20 World Cup 2024 in New York. The first group of players, including captain Rohit Sharma and his deputy Hardik Pandya, will depart on May 25. The rest of the team, including the in-form Virat Kohli, are expected to depart over the next few days. Before the start of the tournament, India will also play a warm-up game against Bangladesh on June 1 in New York.