Forget hairdryers! Shaheen Afridi gets custom 24K gold iPhone from Lahore Qalandars

Photo: Screengrab/@lahoreqalandars/X

The ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 has been making waves, not just for the action on the field, but for some truly unexpected Player of the Match awards. From hairdryers to beard trimmers, franchises have been handing out quirky awards that have amused fans and sparked conversations across social media.

However, Lahore Qalandars have now raised the bar with an opulent gesture that has caught everyone's eye. In celebration of Easter, the franchise surprised their players and support staff with thoughtful gifts. Leading the pack was captain Shaheen Afridi, who received a luxurious, custom-made 24-carat gold-plated iPhone 16 Pro.

As Shaheen unboxed the exclusive phone, his teammates looked on in awe. The moment quickly became a talking point in the dressing room, with England batter Sam Billings visibly stunned by the extravagant present. Fellow pacer Haris Rauf joined in on the banter, jokingly calling the gift 'unfair' since only the captain received it.

The franchise shared the moment on social media with a caption that read: "Our Captain Qalandar receives a gift he's worthy of. A custom 24K Gold-plated iPhone 16 Pro, made just for Lahore Qalandars' main man, Shaheen!"

Shaheen's side has had a strong start to their PSL 2025 campaign, currently holding the second spot on the six-team points table with two wins from three matches. Islamabad United remains at the top, boasting an unbeaten record in four matches.

PSL and the trend of unique awards

The unique gifts trend started earlier in the tournament when Karachi Kings gifted England's James Vince a hairdryer during a dressing room celebration. In another quirky instance, Pakistani fast bowler Hasan Ali received a beard trimmer from his team following a match against the Qalandars on April 16.

These unconventional rewards have gone viral, with fans drawing comparisons between the PSL and Indian Premier League (IPL). While PSL teams have leaned into humour and personalisation, IPL franchises like Mumbai Indians have maintained a more stylish approach, gifting designer sunglasses to players during post-match ceremonies.