T20 World Cup: Pakistan Coach Waqar Younis Defends Shahid Afridi's 'India Love' Comment
Shahid Afridi has created a controversy by saying that he and his teammates were 'more loved in India than in Pakistan' comment. Pakistan coach Waqar Younis has defended his skipper
Slammed at home for his 'more loved in India than in Pakistan' comment, Shahid Afridi has won support from team coach and former bowling legend Waqar Younis ahead of the T20 World Cup Super-10 clash against Bangladesh in Kolkata on Wednesday. (World T20: Shahid Afridi Defends 'Loved in India' Comment, Says It's a 'Positive Message')
"I did not find anything controversial in Afridi's remark," Waqar told reporters in Kolkata on Wednesday. On Tuesday, Sunil Gavaskar had told NDTV that Afridi's comments "will win the heart of the Eden crowd." India and Pakistan clash in Kolkata on March 19. (World T20: Javed Miandad Slams Shahid Afridi for 'Loved in India' Comment; Lawyer Files Case Too)
Afridi and senior player Shoaib Malik had praised India after landing for the World T20, insisting that they never felt threatened in the country even though their departure was delayed due to security concerns. (World T20: Shahid Afridi, Najam Sethi Served Legal Notice Over 'Love For India' Statement)
"We have always enjoyed playing in India and have been loved by Indian crowds more than crowds back home in Pakistan," Afridi had said. Shoaib is married to Indian tennis star Sania Mirza.
Afridi has received support from his fans too. Model and actress Arshi Khan said Afridi deserved the "Nobel Peace Prize."
On Monday, Afridi was criticised by Javed Miandad. The former Pakistan captain and coach, known for his fighting spirit especially against India, said: "These cricketers should be ashamed of themselves for saying such a thing. Shame on you," Miandad told a television channel.
Afridi was dragged to court for 'committing treason' and 'hurting sentiments' of Pakistanis.
"I have served a legal notice on Shahid Afridi and 'de facto' chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board Najam Sethi for their love for India over Pakistan. I have also written to PCB chairman Shahryar Khan to launch an inquiry into the statement of Afridi in India," advocate Azhar Saddique said.