World T20: Shahid Afridi Defends 'Loved in India' Comment, Despite Getting Legal Notice
Shahid Afridi said there was nothing wrong in his statement that Pakistan players were 'loved in India'. He added that he was just trying to better the bond between the two countries through cricket
Shahid Afridi, under attack in Pakistan for stating that cricketers from his country are loved more in India, on Tuesday sought to douse the fire by saying that he did not intend to demean his nation and was merely trying to give a 'positive message' by showing respect to the fans here. (World T20: Javed Miandad Slams Shahid Afridi for 'Loved in India' Comment; Lawyer Files Case Too)
In an audio statement posted by the Pakistan Cricket Board on its Twitter handle, Afridi has clarified that he was not trying to belittle Pakistani fans during the now infamous post-arrival press conference ahead of the ICC World Twenty20. (World T20: Shahid Afridi, Najam Sethi Served Legal Notice Over 'Love For India' Statement)
"I am not just captain of the Pakistan cricket team but I am representing all the Pakistani people here. I think if one looks at my comment in a positive way then it is obvious that I did not mean to say that anybody else would matter more to me than Pakistani fans. My whole identity comes from Pakistan," Afridi said. (T20 World Cup: Pakistan Coach Waqar Younis Defends Shahid Afridi's 'India Love' Comment)
Afridi has been criticised for the statement made on Sunday with former captain Javed Miandad calling it shameful. The flamboyant all-rounder has also been issued a legal notice in Lahore for his comment.
'Tried to Improve Bond Between India and Pakistan'
"I was asked a question by a journalist and I tried to answer it in a positive way because I know whatever I say would be heard all across the world. So, I was merely trying to give a positive message to the rest of the world that we enjoy a lot when we play in India.
"Whether it is Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis or Inzamam ul Haq, they will also say that they get a lot of respect here because cricket is literally worshipped in India. You can even ask Imran bhai, cricket is a religion here.
"I merely gave a diplomatic statement so that the message that goes to the world is that cricket brings people together and Indo-Pak relations have always got a boost because of cricket," Afridi clarified.
"I think I made a positive statement on behalf of my country but if somebody looks at it negatively, he would get a negative message. But my intention was positive," he added.
Pakistan, who arrived later than scheduled in India owing to security concerns, will open their World T20 campaign against Bangladesh here on Wednesday.