Shahid Afridi finds ‘Positivity’ in Rahul Gandhi, BJP says India-Haters are his biggest fans

A video of former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi praising Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has gone viral on social media. The clip is from a sports discussion programme in Pakistan where Afridi was seen speaking alongside two anchors.

 

In the video, Afridi criticised the Indian government, accusing it of using religion as a political tool. He said, “This government keeps playing the Hindu-Muslim card to stay in power. It shows a very dirty kind of mindset.”

 

 

He further added, “this will continue as long as this leadership remains in place (targeting Modi government)”.

 

 

 

Afridi then praised Rahul Gandhi, saying, “If I talk about Rahul Gandhi, he is a man with a very positive mindset. He wants to move forward with the world through dialogue.”

 

 

Taking an indirect swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Afridi added, “Is one Israel not enough that you are trying to become another Israel?”

 

 

The remarks triggered a sharp reaction from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). National spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla wrote on X,

 

 

“After Hafiz Saeed now Shahid Afridi (Terror apologist & India hater) praises Rahul Gandhi… Not surprised! Everyone who hates India finds an ally in Rahul Gandhi & Congress.

 

From Soros to Shahid …INC = Islamabad National Congress

 

Cong Pak Yaarana is very old

 

Art 370 to Surgical strike to clean chit on 26/11 & Pulwama and Pahalgam - Congress echoes Pakistan’s narrative always”.

 

It also comes at a time when Pakistan is yet to swallow Sunday’s Asia Cup defeat against India and the Indian players’ refusal to shake hands. Since then, Pakistan’s cricketers and commentators seem busier criticising India and its government than focusing on the game.