Former Pakistan international Danish Kaneria has lashed out at his ex-teammate Shahid Afridi for delivering an inflammatory speech to the army and civilians in Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK).
Afridi garnered a substantial amount of hatred on social media since the video of his speech went viral. In the speech, Afridi lambasted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his policies, tagging him as a ‘disease’.
Even Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh received a considerable amount of flak for promoting Afridi’s humanitarian foundation.
After Afridi’s hateful speech, the likes of Suresh Raina, Gautam Gambhir, Shikhar Dhawan along with Yuvi and Bhajji, gave befitting replies to the retired Pakistani cricketer.
“Shahid Afridi should think before speaking on any matter. If he wants to join politics, then he should quit all ties with cricket. It is important to stay away from cricket if you are speaking like a politician. Speeches like these create a negative image of Pakistan cricket not only in India but also around the world,” Kaneria told India TV.
It was only recently when Kaneria blamed Afridi for not helping him feature in the ODI team. The leg-spinner now questioned Afridi for his intent, criticizing his comments for the Indian Prime Minister.
“He appealed for help from them, and after getting the help, you end up saying things about their country and PM. What sort of friendship is this?” the leggie asked.
India and Pakistan have not engaged in a bilateral cricket match since 2012. The arch-rivals only locked horns against each other during ICC title events and the Asia Cup.
Kaneria concluded by stating that the two countries should resume playing cricket and diplomacy should not enter the cricketing field.
“Cricketing ties between the two countries should resume. India and Pakistan have some political tension between them, which the government of both countries should resolve with dialogue so that cricket can return,” Kaneria signed off.
