Talking to a private news channel, Afridi praises Pakistan's media for being "a hundred times better" than Indian media.

"As far as Indian media is concerned, their approach is very negative. I believe their role has also been very dirty especially in terms of worsening ties between our two countries," he said.

"If I have to tell the truth, Indians cannot have the kind of hearts that Pakistani Muslims have. They cannot have the big and clean hearts that Allah has given to Pakistanis."

But while analysts said the cricket had given the nuclear- armed rivals a fresh impetus to continue a sustained dialogue, Afridi seemed less optimistic.

"It is very difficult for us to live with them or have a long- term relationship with them," he said. "You can see how many times we have had friendship in 60 years and how many times relations got strained."

In India, on the eve of the semi-final, Afridi had called himself an "ambassador for Pakistan, so I should know what to say."

"I think it's a great sign for both countries and sports, especially cricket always brings these two countries together," he added.

India and Pakistan have fought three wars since the subcontinent was partitioned in 1947.