Shahid Afridi stressed the importance of dialogue between India and Pakistan during an interview with Khaleej Times on Monday, citing how “cricket has the power to bring people and countries closer.”
Afridi spoke about the importance of dialogue and interpersonal connections in resolving issues between India and Pakistan. “If our politicians won’t talk and we don’t play each other, how will we ever solve anything?” he was further quoted as saying.
Afridi was addressing a recent controversy where himself and former teammate Umar Gul were seen receiving a warm welcome by Keralites at an inter-collegiate dance event held at the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) building on May 25.
Footage from the event showing Afridi being cheered by a largely Indian crowd quickly spread on social media, fuelling criticism in India amid ongoing tensions between the two nations.
Calling the reaction “uncalled for”, he sad, “let’s not politicise things, it wasn’t even a planned appearance.”
He explained how in the past “the respect I received in India as a cricketer and as a captain of Pakistan has been overwhelming.”
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the love I got there, I didn’t get anywhere else, not even in Pakistan,” he was quoted as saying in Khaleej Times.
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He added how he often interacts with members of the Asian community and enjoys those conversations. “I meet so many Indians wherever I go. We chat, we joke, we share cricket memories. There’s mutual respect. It’s always a pleasure.”
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