Shahid Afridi (Photo Source: Twitter)
Legendary former cricketer Shahid Afridi revealed that his team was attacked after they played a Test match in India. According to the former skipper, the incident happened after Pakistan‘s win over India in the final match of the three-match Test series contested at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru in 2005. Notably, India won the second Test after the first Test ended in a draw.
The 46-year-old claimed that their team bus was pelted with stones after their win over the hosts. The all-rounder emphasized the need to handle pressure and pursue success while expressing his firm view that such situations shouldn’t deter Pakistan from competing in India. However, given the existing tensions between the two countries, the former cricketer’s remarks have sparked controversy.
“That was a pressure moment for us. We used to hit six and fours and no one used to clap for us. If Abdul Razzaq remembers, when we won the Test match in Bangalore, stones were pelted on our bus. Pressure is always there and you should enjoy that pressure. Players are saying that Pakistan should not go to India. I am totally against it, I think we should go there and win the match,” Afridi was heard saying in a video.
Watch the video:
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi reveals stones were thrown on their bus in Bangalore when they won the Test match there.
He still believes Pakistan should travel to India and win the World Cup there. pic.twitter.com/QABZ6tQCLk
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) July 14, 2023
Afridi’s statement throws insight into the ongoing tensions between the cricketing boards of India and Pakistan. Historically, the rivalry between the two neighbouring countries has been tainted by political elements and security concerns. Earlier Pakistan have hinted that they will boycott the 2023 Cricket World Cup if India will not travel to their neighboring country to participate in the forthcoming Asia Cup.
Furthermore, Afridi’s call for the Pakistan team to go on in India, despite the past issues demonstrates the value of sportsmanship. The 46-year-old also encouraged India to reciprocate by playing matches in Pakistan, emphasizing the beneficial influence it would have on cricket fans across the world.