Internet Desk: Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi’s comment “a lot of people from Kashmir” had come to support his team during the World Twenty20 match against New Zealand in Mohali has invited criticism from BCCI.
BCCI Secretary Anurag Thakur today criticized Afridi for saying that “To give a statement like that is not politically correct. A player should stay away from all this. Thats the reason why he was criticized in Pakistan,” Thakur said referring to the controversy triggered by his previous remark on getting “more love in India than back home”.
During last night’s match, a section of the crowd in Mohali cheered Afridi at the toss, prompting former Pakistan captain Rameez Raja to ask if he and his team had support from the spectators here. “Yes, a lot of people are here from Kashmir as well. And I want to thank people of Kolkata as well, they really support us as well,” Afridi said at the Punjab Cricket Association stadium just before the start of the game.
“It seems you have a bit of fan following here in Mohali,” Raja had remarked after Afridi lost the toss.
The Pakistan captain faces the axe as his side is almost certain of not making it to the last four.Last night, Afridi gave clear indications that he would retire from the shortest format after his teams campaign ends in the ongoing ICC World Twenty20. After suffering a 22-run defeat to New Zealand, Afridi said the upcoming game against Australia could be his last. “That (the match against Australia) could be my last,” Afridi said at the post-match presentation ceremony. Disappointment was writ large on Afridis face even as he congratulated New Zealand.