Amid tension between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, an old video of Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn and former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi has resurfaced, going viral across social media platforms and triggering sharp criticism.
The video, from the World Championship of Legends in Birmingham in 2024, shows Devgn shaking hands with Afridi at Edgbaston Stadium. While the interaction appeared cordial and routine at the time, its resurfacing amid current India-Pakistan tensions has drawn sharp online backlash.
One X (formerly Twitter) user accused Devgn of being an “opportunist,” claiming his nationalism was merely a “PR stunt.” Another criticised, “Deshbhakt, IT Cell fav Ajay Devgn enjoying with Shahid Afridi. Sanghis who boycotted Aamir Khan for visiting Turkey are now silent.”
Ajay Devgan meets Shahid Afridi happily. These celebs desh bhakti will remain for PR only, rest they will do anything for money and don't care about the people of the country. pic.twitter.com/FqfKTMPNOm
— Div🦁 (@div_yumm) July 20, 2025
Ajay Devgan’s film ‘Son of Sardar 2’ targeted
Ahead of the release of Ajay Devgn’s upcoming film Son of Sardar 2, users took veiled digs, suggesting a boycott. “Ajay Devgn meeting Shahid Afridi… his movie #SonofSardar2 is releasing… You all know what to do,” read one tweet.
Others accused Bollywood stars of switching personas for profit. “They play patriotic roles, post tricolours when convenient, but all that fades when there’s money or PR involved,” one user commented. Another claimed, “Ajay Devgn is talking with Pakistani terrorist Shahid Afridi. Soon, more to come.”
Bollywood star Ajay Devgan with legend Shahid Afridi !! pic.twitter.com/eFlR9Ad5jY
— TEAM AFRIDI (@TEAM_AFRIDI) July 6, 2024
India-Pakistan cricket match cancelled
In a parallel development, the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan veterans’ match in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) has been cancelled after Indian players, including Shikhar Dhawan, refused to participate. The decision followed the April terror attack in Pahalgam and the subsequent Operation Sindoor by India.
Veterans like Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan publicly declined participation, while sources say others echoed the sentiment. Organisers shared a statement via X expressing regret for unintentionally stirring emotions and hurting sentiments. “All we ever wanted was to create some happy memories,” it read.
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, which was military retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025. The operation involved surgical strikes on nine terrorist camps and airbases within Pakistan, utilising advanced aircraft and BrahMos missiles. The strikes were designed to incapacitate terror infrastructure, marking a turning point in India-Pak relations.