In a glittering pre-wedding celebration, the cricketing world came together as fast bowler Shaheen Afridi and Ansha Shahid, daughter of former Pakistani cricket captain Shahid Afridi, marked the mehndi event on the eve of their upcoming wedding. The event, held on Monday evening, unfolded at the elegant residence of Shahid Afridi in Karachi, where close friends and family gathered to celebrate the union.
Family Dinner ❤️ A picture-perfect celebration of love and togetherness. Bhai wedding, a day to remember! Forever memories in stone. 💕#ShaheenAfridi #AnshaAfridi #Wedding #ShahidAfridi #Mehndi #Night pic.twitter.com/iUuYyXC6YS
— Shan Afridi (@shan_afridi7) September 19, 2023
The groom, Shaheen Afridi, was in high spirits as he joined the festivities alongside his family, adding to the joyous atmosphere of the evening. The rukhsati, the traditional seeing-off ceremony, is scheduled for today (Tuesday).
The couple’s nuptials were solemnized earlier this year in a ceremony conducted by Maulana Abdul Sattar at the Zakaria Mosque in February. Following the nikah, a lavish reception took place, graced by notable cricket figures including Babar Azam, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Naseem Shah, and Shadab Khan. Squash legend Jahangir Khan was also among the distinguished attendees. Asim Bajwa, the former director-general of the Inter-Services Public Relations, and Wasim Khan, the General Manager of the International Cricket Council, were present to convey their blessings and well-wishes.
The couple’s engagement had taken place two years ago, setting the stage for this beautiful union. Looking back on the journey, Shaheen Afridi reflected on the decision, saying, “It was my marriage, so obviously, it was me who thought about marrying her. Lala [Shahid Afridi] and my brother have been friends for a very long time, and our elders know each other too. So, my mother went ahead with the rishta (proposal), and the families agreed,” he shared during an interview, a hint of shyness in his tone.
Regarding their first encounter, Shaheen Afridi explained that there wasn’t a specific “first meet-up” as they had known each other for quite some time. “We used to go to each other’s houses. Whenever they’d come to our house, I’d see her around, and then we met at our Nikah,” he fondly recalled.
Expressing his gratitude for his soon-to-be life partner, Shaheen remarked, “They say that you should always have a life partner that appreciates you, and thank God I have that. She doesn’t get involved much but has always supported me,” he exclaimed.
The grand celebration continues with the Valima ceremony scheduled for September 21 in the federal capital, promising more joy and love in the days to come.
