Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Khan Afridi has strongly responded to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks following India’s Asia Cup victory. Modi had linked the team’s win to “Operation Sandur,” portraying it as part of India’s ongoing success. Afridi, however, countered the statement with a sharp reply, saying, “The world has seen that in war, the scoreboard reads 0-7.”
Sports vs. Politics
Afridi emphasized that Pakistan has always separated sports from politics and treated the game with fairness. He highlighted the importance of sportsmanship, making it clear that cricket should never be equated with warfare. “We have always competed in the true spirit of the game, keeping sports far away from the idea of war,” Afridi wrote.
Hashtag with a Hidden Message
Along with his statement, Afridi used a pointed hashtag aimed at Modi, which translated to “a small man in a big office.” By doing so, Afridi criticized Modi’s mindset, calling it outdated and extremist, while also questioning his suitability for the position of Prime Minister.
Criticism From the Indian Opposition
Interestingly, Afridi’s response came at a time when Modi was already facing backlash within India. The opposition Congress Party strongly condemned the Prime Minister’s attempt to mix politics with cricket. Congress leader Atul Patel criticized Modi’s remarks, stating that equating a cricket victory with a military operation was unacceptable.
Congress Raises Concerns Over Diplomacy
Patel went further, questioning Modi’s understanding of foreign policy and diplomacy. He argued that if the game was played, it should have been celebrated in the true spirit of cricket rather than being converted into war propaganda. This reaction reflects a growing sentiment in India that sports should remain a bridge between nations, not a tool for political messaging.
A Clash of Narratives
Afridi’s bold statement has once again brought attention to the long-standing debate over politics in cricket, especially in the context of India-Pakistan relations. While Modi attempted to link the Asia Cup victory to a nationalist agenda, Afridi reminded the world that sports should unite rather than divide.
Final Thoughts
Shahid Afridi’s sharp response not only resonated with Pakistani fans but also found support among those who believe in keeping sports free from political manipulation. His words underline a universal truth: while cricket may be competitive, it is not a battlefield. The real victory lies in promoting peace, respect, and sportsmanship.
