Afridi won't let his daughters play outdoors, because 'hail patriarchy'
What's the story
He may have scored tons of runs for his country, he might be running a foundation to educate underprivileged girls. But internalized misogyny hasn't left Shahid Afridi.
The former captain of Pakistani cricket team gave a taste of his deeply imbibed patriarchal mindset in his autobiography "Game Changer".
Afridi revealed he would never allow his four daughters to play outdoor games and doesn't care what feminists think.
Statement
Social and religious reasons motivated Afridi's stance
The autobiography of the swashbuckling all-rounder has been co-authored by journalist Wajahat Saeed Khan. In the book, Afridi wrote he was a conservative parent.
He added his daughters namely Ansha, Ajwa, Asmara, and Aqsa can play indoor games but they would never participate in public sporting events, including cricket.
Afridi added "social and religious reasons" motivated his stance.
Quote
"The feminists can say what they want"
"They have my permission to play any sport as long as they're indoors. Cricket? No, not for my girls. I've made this decision and their mother agrees with me. The feminists can say what they want," Afridi's book read.
Take
Co-author said he warned Afridi about this part
Speaking about Afridi's stand, Wajahat said in an interview that he warned the cricketer about it.
"This part, I had warned him, that the feminists might burn a few bras at your door...nuance your argument," he said in an interview.
Wajahat also suggested to look at the words in a wider context and remember Afridi's philanthropic acts.
Quote
Wajahat said he doesn't endorse Afridi's views
"He's educating his four girls, he's educating hundreds of other girls [through the Shahid Afridi Foundation] and it was not my job to put words in his mouth. I have a completely different opinion, my girls can do whatever the heck they want to do," Wajahat said.
Reactions
Disgusted by his views, many slammed Afridi on Twitter
As soon as the problematic portions of the book gained attention, Afridi was slammed by netizens, and rightly so.
BBC journalist Fifi Haroon called Afridi's views "terrible" and "disrespectful". At the same time, Pakistani journalist Taha Siddiqui called Afridi a misogynist.
"Don't be a Shahid Afridi to your daughter, sister, or wife. Let your women be," wrote another Twitter user.
Twitter Post
Renowned journalist asked important question
Quick question, which feminists would burn a few bras at Afridi's door? pic.twitter.com/277Vp740NN
— Naila Inayat नायला इनायत (@nailainayat) May 11, 2019
Opinion
Does Afridi really deserve reverence and respect?
Many worship Afridi but his deplorable comments have shown that he isn't the ideal role model, after all.
He definitely believes in educating girls but isn't a fan of women's independence. And this emotion is not just restricted to Afridi.
For far too long, men have laid down rules for girls and women. The thickheads don't understand that you can't clip wings.
Perhaps, one day, they might!