Shahid Afridi Reacts to India’s Refusal to Play Against Pakistan in World Legends Championship

Former all-rounder and national team player Shahid Afridi has responded to India’s decision not to play against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends.

In comments reported by private TV channels, Afridi emphasized that cricket should not be compromised by politics. He stated, “If the Indian team did not want to play, they should have said so beforehand.” He further highlighted the importance of sports diplomacy, saying, “Unless we sit together and talk, problems cannot be resolved.”

Afridi expressed his excitement following Pakistan’s victory in the first match and hoped the second match would take place, noting that 17,000 to 18,000 fans were enjoying the event. He voiced his disappointment for the supporters and added that if the Pakistan-India match is rescheduled, the team would assess the situation accordingly.

He also revealed that the Indian team was disappointed as well, explaining that the match was canceled due to a single player. Afridi said, “The Indian team had come to play here and should be a good ambassador for the country, not a cause of embarrassment.”

Praising the Indian community, Afridi remarked, “The Indian community is very good and educated,” and recalled how cricket has helped improve relations in the past. He said the Indian players had come with the intention “to play cricket, hoping to meet and have conversations with each other.”

Afridi concluded by saying, “One rotten egg spoils the whole basket.” He added that if he had known the match was stopped because of him, “he would not have gone to the ground,” affirming, “The game comes first; Shahid Afridi comes later.”

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