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Shahid Afridi, who was criticised by Javed Miandad for his ‘loved more in India’ comment, was again questioned by the former Pakistan captain. (World Twenty20: Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik Say Pakistan Get Only Love in India, Not Security Threats)
Speaking to NDTV, Miandad said that he had no enmity with India, but to say that one has found more love in a foreign country than his own motherland was also not right. (World T20: Javed Miandad Slams Shahid Afridi for ‘Loved in India’ Comment; Lawyer Files Case Too)
“We also admire Indian players. When they come here (Pakistan), they are loved and respected by everybody. But my problem is with Shahid Afridi’s statement that he found more love in India than Pakistan,” Miandad said. (World T20: Shahid Afridi, Najam Sethi Served Legal Notice Over ‘Love For India’ Statement)
“I want to ask, in just two days, what did he find in India that he hasn’t found in Pakistan? Our nation is our mother, my identity comes from my motherland, so I didn’t agree with his statement.” (World T20: Shahid Afridi Defends ‘Loved in India’ Comment, Despite Getting Legal Notice)
Afridi’s statement
Pakistan T20 captain Afridi arrived in India after security concerns almost cancelled his team’s participation. But Afridi was quick to negate all these concerns, and that led to all the trouble. He was also served legal notice for his comments.
“I’ve not enjoyed playing anywhere as much as I have in India. I am in the last stage of my career and I can say that the love I have got in India is something that I will always remember. We have not got this much love even from Pakistan,” Afridi said.
“There are cricket-loving people here, much like in Pakistan. Overall, I’ve enjoyed a lot playing in India in my cricketing career.”
Miandad’s reaction
Javed Miandad was infuriated with this statement of Afridi, as he felt that the cricketer should be ashamed of himself.
“These cricketers should be ashamed of themselves for saying such a thing. Shame on you. What have the Indians given us? Speak the truth even while in India. For the last five years what have they given us or done with Pakistan cricket. Having served Pakistan cricket for so many years, I am shocked and hurt to hear such comments from our players,” Miandad had said earlier.
“The job of this team is to go and play well in India not make such unnecessary comments.”
Source: NDTV