Shahid Afridi
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Former Pakistan cricketer, Shahid Afridi has dragged himself in the middle of a controversy yet again after posting a picture of a lion which seemed tied to a chain at his residence in Karachi.

Meanwhile, he was at the receiving end of criticism on social media for the picture. Moreover, in another image, he was feeding a deer.

However, now the Sindh Wildlife (SWL) department has stepped in and will now probe the presence of the lion at his home. SWL Conservator, Taj Muhammad Shaikh confirmed the owner was Hassan Hussain who also held the animal’s license. He also added they will start the procedure after Eid.

We will find out what the lion was doing in Afridi’s home,” the conservator said.

Hussain, however, admitted he has the license along with a travel permit. He also added Afridi has his detractors who are just trying to defame him.

Shahid Afridi
Getty Images

I even informed the SWL department before taking my lion to Afridi’s home,” he said.

Afridi issues a statement

Facing severe backlash, Afridi released a statement on social media site Facebook. The legendary all-rounder explained in detail why the lion was at his home.

I respect that animals need free space and wildlife for survival, however, I would like to state facts for the record. These pictures are of my house and not of any zoo, the animals displayed in the pictures were brought to my house for showing it to my kids, the owner has tamed them since they were 2months old and they are this big, they are totally home broughtup, the person who owns them has a license as well. The fact it was chained was just to be on the safe side but where they live is in an entirely free environment,” Afridi wrote.

https://www.facebook.com/ShahidAfridiOfficial10/posts/1845086482220768

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Meanwhile, Afridi last played in the Charity game between ICC World XI and Windies XI at the Lords. The sale proceeds went for the refurbishment of five cricket stadiums in the Caribbean damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.

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