PHOTO: AFP/CRICTALE
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Anurag Thakur warned Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi against issuing political statements.
Thakur’s warning came after Afridi in response to a question from commentator Ramiz Raja thanked supporters from Kashmir for supporting the Pakistan team. “"Yes, a lot of people [have supported as], and lot of people are here from Kashmir as well. I also want to thank the people of Kolkata, they really support us as well," said Afridi, Zee News reported.
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Thakur said that sportsmen should stay away from commenting on political things. “To give a statement like that is not politically correct. A player should stay away from all this. That's the reason why he was criticised in Pakistan," said Thakur.
This is the second time in two weeks that the veteran all-rounder is facing backlash over his statements.
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Earlier, the Pakistan T20I captain was criticised back in Pakistan for his comment regarding getting more love in India than in Pakistan.
The 36-year-old later had to clarify that his comment was taken out of context and that he value Pakistan and Pakistani fan more than anything.
On Tuesday, Pakistan lost to New Zealand by 22 runs. Batting first, the Kiwis posted a mammoth 180 to be chased down in 20 overs.
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