Former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi sparked outrage on Tuesday after lavishing praise on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi amid the Asia Cup handshake row. India defeated the other country in a politically-charged Asia Cup match over the weekend before refusing to shake hands with the rival players. The Pakistan Cricket Board had also lodged a complaint demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft over the incident.
“I have been saying repeatedly that this government plays the religion card, plays the Muslim-Hindu card to come to power. This is a very nasty mindset…Rahul is a man with a positive mindset. He wants dialogue to move forward…He wants to walk with everyone, with the entire world,” he told a Pakistani media channel.
The former cricketer also likened the current government to Israel while batting for a change.
‘Is Rahul Gandhi mourning defeat of Pakistan?’
India defeated Pakistan during a high-octane Asia Cup match over the weekend amid widespread calls for a boycott. Political tensions also spilled onto the cricket pitch with Team India refusing to shake hands with the rival team after the match. This was the first time that the two teams had met since the devastating Pahalgam attack and the consequent launch of Operation Sindoor. BJP leader NV Subhash also targeted Gandhi after the match — asking the media whether the Congress lawmaker was “mourning” the defeat of Pakistan.
“Is Rahul Gandhi, with his friend Asaduddin Owaisi, mourning the defeat of Pakistan in the Asia Cup held in Dubai, where India won with excellent performance?… No one gave good wishes to the Indian cricket team; this shows how Rahul Gandhi, along with his teammates, always praises the Pakistan Army even if they lose against the Indian armed forces,” he told ANI.
Rahul Gandhi visits flood-hit Punjab
The remarks came even as the Leader of Opposition visited parts of flood-hit Punjab on Monday and urged both state and central governments to ensure speedy relief for the victims. The Raebareli lawmaker also took stock of the relief efforts and interacted with affected families in the area.
“The floods have caused devastation in Punjab. Today, I met with the villagers in Ghonewal – ruined homes, destroyed fields, shattered lives. The pain is clearly visible in their eyes, but their resolve remains unbroken. Both the state and central governments must ensure, under all circumstances, that relief packages and compensation reach the victims without delay, who need it the most at this time. In this tragedy, I stand with every affected family. I will amplify their voices and ensuring they receive every possible assistance is my firm commitment,” he said.