Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has once again found himself at the centre of controversy after making remarks about women and mobile phone usage that many on social media have labelled regressive and misogynistic.
A viral video circulating online shows Afridi speaking at a public gathering, where he described mobile phones as a “disease” and revealed the strict rules he follows for his daughters. While the former all-rounder said his comments were aimed at protecting children from excessive screen time and digital addiction, critics argued that his views reflected outdated attitudes towards women and technology.
In the clip, Afridi is seen holding a smartphone while urging parents to stay alert about their children’s digital habits. He stressed that excessive screen exposure harms children’s development and encouraged families to spend more quality time together instead of relying on gadgets.
However, it was his comments about his daughters that sparked the strongest reaction online.
“I have given mobile phones to my daughters only after their marriage. Before that, there was no need,” Afridi said in the viral video.
The former Pakistan skipper also advised parents to maintain a “Shair ki nazar” (lion’s gaze) on children between the ages of 16 and 21, saying young people should stay connected to the “real world” instead of the “TikTok world.”
This is not the first time Afridi’s views on women and family life have generated debate. In his autobiography Game Changer, he had previously written that he did not allow his daughters to participate in outdoor sports despite their athletic ability, citing “social and religious reasons.” In another old interview clip that resurfaced online, Afridi admitted to breaking a television after seeing one of his daughters imitate a gesture from an Indian television serial.
The latest comments triggered widespread debate across social media platforms, including X and Instagram. While some users defended Afridi, arguing that concerns around digital addiction and online safety are valid, many criticised the gender-specific nature of his restrictions.
Several critics pointed out that denying young women access to technology in today’s digital era can limit educational opportunities, digital literacy, and career growth. Others argued that such attitudes reinforce patriarchal norms and place unnecessary restrictions on women’s independence.
As the clip continues to gain millions of views online, Afridi remains a deeply divisive figure — praised by supporters for defending traditional values, while criticised by others for promoting ideas they believe hinder women’s progress in the modern digital age.
