After going through intense criticism for his comments on Jammu and Kashmir, Shahid Afridi has fuelled the fire once again by making yet another troublesome statement.
His comments were posted on Twitter by Saj Sadiq.
Shahid Afridi "Even if they call me, I won't go to the IPL. My PSL is the biggest and there will be a time that it leaves the IPL behind. I am enjoying the PSL, I don't have any need for the IPL. I'm not interested in it and never was" #Cricket
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) April 4, 2018
How Did This Start?
After forces in Kashmir killed 12 terrorists in a recent encounter, the veteran cricketer tweeted, “Appalling and worrisome situation ongoing in the Indian Occupied Kashmir. Innocents being shot down by oppressive regime to clamp voice of self determination & independence. Wonder where is the @UN & other int bodies & why aren’t they making efforts to stop this bloodshed?”
Criticism
Commenting on the political tensions surrounding the Indian territory, the former Pakistan skipper demanded intervention from the UN.
Following his comments, number of Indian cricketers including the great Sachin Tendulkar, current Indian captain Virat Kohli, former captain Kapil Dev, opener Shikhar Dhawan and Gautam Gambhir had expressed their strong condemnation of his remarks.
Afridi, however, didn’t back down from his views.
Shahid Afridi "I'm not worried about the response to my tweet from some. I believe I spoke the truth and I have the right to speak the truth"
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) April 4, 2018
He also said that he was a soldier for this country.
Shahid Afridi "I am a soldier of my country. My country is my honour and Pakistan is everything for me"
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) April 4, 2018
Shahid Afridi popular known as “Lala” recently played in PSL for Karachi Kings. He said he would never consider playing in IPL even if he was invited.
Shahid Afridi is among the Pakistan cricketers who had taken part in the initial IPL. He had played for the Deccan Chargers.
A few years ago, he had said, “Although I played just once in the IPL but it is easily the biggest league you can play in and I enjoyed my experience. The IPL is clearly the best organised foreign league and it was a totally different experience playing in it.”
Cricket is considered to be a gentleman’s game and adding politics to it will only take away its charm.