Waqar backs embattled Afridi

KOLKATA: Shahid Afridi and Waqar Younis might have had differences on various issues but the Pakistani captain received complete backing from the head coach over his controversial “loved more in India” comments.

Waqar said that he didn’t believe Afridi did anything wrong when he said that Pakistani players feel even more loved in India than in their own country.

“I did not find anything controversial in Afridi’s remark,” Waqar told reporters in Kolkata on Tuesday ahead of Pakistan’s opening match of the Super-10 stage of ICC World Twenty20 championship against Bangladesh.

Pakistan, who crashed out of the Asia Cup after a dismal show, are looking for a winning start to their World T20 campaign at Eden Gardens on Wednesday (today).

That could precisely be the reason why Waqar downplayed Afridi’s comments that have ignited a huge hue and cry back in Pakistan.

But Afridi has also received words of support.

On Tuesday, Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar had said in an interview that Afridi’s comments “will win the heart of the Eden crowd.”

India and Pakistan clash in Kolkata on March 19.

Afridi and senior player Shoaib Malik had praised India after landing in India for the World T20, insisting that they never felt threatened in the country even though their departure was delayed due to security concerns.

“We have always enjoyed playing in India and have been loved by Indian crowds more than crowds back home in Pakistan,” Afridi had said. Shoaib is married to Indian tennis star Sania Mirza.

Afridi has received support from his fans too. Model and actress Arshi Khan said Afridi deserved the “Nobel Peace Prize.”

On Monday, Afridi was criticised by Javed Miandad. The former Pakistan captain and coach, known for his fighting spirit especially against India, said: “These cricketers should be ashamed of themselves for saying such a thing. Shame on you,” Miandad told a television channel.

Afridi was dragged to court for ‘committing treason’ and ‘hurting sentiments’ of Pakistanis.

“I have served a legal notice on Shahid Afridi and ‘de facto’ chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board Najam Sethi for their love for India over Pakistan. I have also written to PCB chairman Shahryar Khan to launch an inquiry into the statement of Afridi in India,” advocate Azhar Saddique said.