The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025 is just around the corner, and the atmosphere is charged with anticipation and tension. Amidst this, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has once again stirred the pot by making controversial remarks about former Indian cricketers. These comments have added fuel to the rivalry, taking place against a backdrop of heightened political sensitivities.
The upcoming match, set for Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium, is the first encounter between the two nations since the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s Operation Sindoor. This has added an extra layer of complexity to the already intense encounter. Many Indian fans have called for a boycott, expressing frustration with the match proceeding given the current emotionally charged environment.
In the lead-up, Afridi targeted Shikhar Dhawan and Yuvraj Singh, referencing the cancellation of the India vs Pakistan match in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 earlier this year. That match was called off after Indian players including Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Suresh Raina withdrew due to public pressure and online criticism.
Dhawan had stated that he informed the WCL organizers well in advance of his decision not to participate against Pakistan. However, Afridi appeared unconvinced, voicing his thoughts in a recent interview on Samaa TV.
Afridi stated, “I have always said that cricket should go on; it has always helped in making the relations better between the two countries. In England, people had bought tickets to see the WCL match, and the players had practiced. Then you didn’t play. What was the thinking? I just can’t understand.”
Without mentioning specific names, Afridi seemed to be hinting at internal issues within the Indian camp during the WCL event. He added, “Agar mai naam lunga na iss waqt, toh wo beechare phass jayenge (If I name any player, then their lives would be made hard). The player I referred to as a bad egg, his captain also told him, ‘If you don’t want to play, then don’t play. Just don’t tweet on social media.’ But that said, the player had come with an ulterior motive. That is why he was a bad egg.”
Afridi’s comments took a more personal turn when he stated that some Indian players continue to face threats and feel the need to prove their loyalty to India. He said, “There are plenty of issues. Gharon tak paunch jaate hain, ghar jalaane ki dhamkiyaan dete hain un players ko. Kuch aise hain jo vahan saabit kar rahe hain ki hum Hindustaani hain. Bechaare jabse paida huye hain saabit kar rahe hain hum hindustani hain. (Some people reach the houses of players and threaten to burn them down, so what more should I say? Certain players are still trying to prove they are Indian. They have been displaying this ever since being born). Now they are doing commentary in the Asia Cup.”
Although he avoided naming names, his comments were widely seen as aimed at individuals like Yuvraj Singh and Irfan Pathan, who have been involved in commentary roles and discussions concerning India-Pakistan cricket.
Afridi’s remarks have come at a sensitive time. As tensions remain high following recent cross-border incidents, many Indian cricket fans are divided on whether matches with Pakistan should continue. Afridi maintains that cricket can foster better relations, while many Indians feel that the sport should not be separated from the emotions associated with national security and grief.
This is not the first instance of Afridi generating controversy with his opinions on India. After the Pahalgam terror attack, he questioned the Indian armed forces on social media, leading to a sharp response from Shikhar Dhawan and others on X (formerly Twitter).
As the cricketing world gets ready for Sunday’s match, the rivalry goes beyond the sport, blending history, politics, and personal emotions. Despite the controversy, fans on both sides are hoping the focus will be on the cricket.
