Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has stirred controversy with his recent comments regarding the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. The remarks come in the wake of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians and has further strained relations between the two nations.
Afridi criticized India for allegedly blaming Pakistan for the attack without presenting concrete evidence. In a statement, he expressed regret over what he described as “accusations without proof,” urging both nations to engage in dialogue rather than escalating tensions. “It is deeply regrettable that India has once again resorted to blame-shifting without any evidence. Such actions only escalate tensions and impede peace efforts in the region,” Afridi stated.
The former cricketer also emphasized the importance of keeping sports, particularly cricket, free from political interference. “The only way forward is through dialogue. Violence and blame games will only aggravate the situation. Cricket should remain untouched by politics,” he added.
Afridi’s comments have drawn mixed reactions, with some supporting his call for dialogue and others criticizing his stance as dismissive of India’s concerns. The Pahalgam attack, carried out by militants linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has reignited debates over cross-border terrorism and the role of diplomacy in resolving such issues.
As tensions continue to rise, Afridi’s remarks highlight the complex interplay of politics, sports, and international relations in the region. Both nations face mounting pressure to address the situation through constructive dialogue and mutual understanding.