'Knew I'd be criticised', says Afridi on congratulating PM Shehbaz

Former cricket star Shahid Khan Afridi has said that he knew that he would be criticised for felicitating PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif on becoming the country’s prime minister but added that there was no political or personal interest in his gesture.

In a video statement, Afridi said that all rulers should be respected as they represent the country on a global stage. "I have always seen Imran Khan as a leader but I reserve the right to disagree with his policies or ideology," he added.

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He said that he expressed his opinion about the ex-premier as a common Pakistani, adding that he will continue to express his views. "Disagreement should not be turned into hatred. Tolerating disagreements is a hallmark of a civilised society."

Pakistani fast bowler and captain of Lahore Qalandars Shaheen Shah Afridi, while sharing Afridi's tweet, said that the former captain was pride of Pakistan.

Also read: Haven’t completely disregarded the idea of getting into politics: Shahid Afridi

Afridi had attracted a lot of social media backlash after he congratulated Shehbaz Sharif for becoming the 23rd prime minister of the country.

A hashtag soon started trending after Afridi's tweet but later another hashtag could also be witnessed supporting the former all-rounder.