ISLAMABAD – Responding to Indian media claims that he’s an agent of theInter Services Intelligence (ISI), Shahid Afridi said, “If I wasn’t acricketer, I’d be in the Pakistan Army. I am proud of what our forces aredoing and am also a soldier of the Pakistani military.”
Afridi also dismissed the possibility of playing in the Indian PremierLeague (IPL).
“Even if they call me, I will not play in the IPL,” he said.
“The day is not far when PSL will be bigger than IPL,” Afridi added.Shahid Afridi has said he stands firmly with his statement against Indianatrocities in occupied Kashmir.
“I firmly stand by what I said earlier regarding what’s happening inoccupied Kashmir,” Afridi, arguably one of Pakistan’s most lovedcricketers, told Geo News.
The cricketer drew the ire of Indian media, cricketers and stars when hetweeted condemnation of the recent clampdown by Indian forces on civiliansin occupied Kashmir.
Urging the United Nations to intervene to stop the bloodshed, the formerPakistan captain tweeted, “Appalling and worrisome situation ongoing in theIndian Occupied Kashmir. Innocents being shot down by oppressive regime toclamp voice of self-determination and independence. Wonder where is the UN& other international bodies and why aren’t they making efforts to stopthis bloodshed?”
However, his tweet did not go down well with several across the border,including Indian cricketers Gautam Gambhir and Suresh Raina among others.
The Indian media also adopted a harsh stance against the cricketer postingand alleged that he’s an agent of Pakistan’s intelligence agency.
However, undeterred Afridi stated that the Indian media is playing a“negative role”.
“It is because of the media that ties between and Pakistan can neverimprove,” he said.
The all-rounder stated that Indians love Pakistani and Pakistani cricketers“but it is the media which like always is playing a negative role.”
“I spoke against India because its involved in human rights violations inoccupied Kashmir as Indian forces have killed dozens of innocent people inthe valley in the last few days,” he explained.
Afridi drew ire from across the border for tweeting against Indianatrocities in Kashmir
Afridi added, “I run a foundation to help humanity and whether it beoccupied Kashmir or any country I will raise my voice against human rightsviolations.”