Pakistan to release movie on Afridi

Despite the wild swings in his form, Shahid Afridi has been massively popular in Pakistan for around two decades, and now the Pakistan film industry has decided to release a film on him. The filmmakers are hoping the cricketer's popularity will translate into big numbers at the box office.

Titled 'Main Hoon Shahid Afridi' ('I Am Shahid Afridi'), the film is about a boy who dreams of becoming as great as Afridi. Producer Humayun Saeed said the role was first offered to the player but Afridi turned it down. "They offered me the role but my elders didn't let me act as it is against our traditions but I happily give permission to use my name as this film will give a positive message," Afridi told AFP.

Saeed said the film cost close to $1 million and will be released on Eid. "It's an underdog story which centres on the game of cricket. It's all about wealthy versus poor, as both try to make a name in cricket but the passion of the poor wins the day.

"The story isn't just about a boy who is Afridi's fan but it was about his whole journey being inspired by the cricketer, which led him to realise that there is a star similar to Afridi inside himself too. Along with the story being about the boy's journey, we have also touched on other issues such as the scandals involving cricketers. Afridi was excited but he had some concerns as well. He wanted cricket to be promoted through this film to inspire children to become more passionate about the sport."