Pakistan cricket legend Shahid Afridi stoked a new controversy after blaming the Indian Army responsible for the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, including a majority of tourists. He termed the Indian security forces as “useless” and challenged India to produce evidence before pointing fingers at Pakistan.
His provocative remarks, during a TV appearance, escalated tensions further. India retaliated with stringent diplomatic steps, such as suspending visas and shutting down the Attari-Wagah checkpost.
Cricketing ties also face a possible complete freeze, with former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly backing a total boycott of Pakistan. Shahid Afridi’s remarks, paired with India’s sharp response, could mark another deep low in India-Pakistan relations.
Shahid Afridi Blames Indian Army, Mocks Indian Media
Shahid Afridi openly criticized the Indian Army on Pakistani news channel Samaa TV. He said, “Even if a cracker bursts in India, they blame it on Pakistan.” He challenged the capabilities of the Army, citing, “You have an army of 8 lakhs in Kashmir, and yet this occurred. This implies that you are useless, failing to ensure security for people.”
He also mocked Indian television news for its hasty coverage. “One hour into the attack, their media was Bollywood,” he declared. Shahid Afridi further explained that he himself was amused at their style of reporting, their credibility and the quality of education.
He further targeted former Pakistani cricketers, accusing them of making unwarranted Pakistan bashing.
India acted quickly following the fatal attack in Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam. The government suspended the Indus Water Treaty, a centuries-old water-sharing pact with Pakistan. The authorities also closed the Attari-Wagah checkpost and revoked all visas granted to Pakistani citizens. These actions indicated a dramatic diplomatic freeze.
Cricketing Ties Under Threat
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering even tougher measures. Discussions are on to boycott Pakistan in all international cricket completely.
India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since more than a decade.
But they frequently face each other during ICC and Asian tournaments. Now, even those matches may come to an end.
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly was a firm advocate of the boycott. “100 per cent, this should be done. Strict action is necessary. Terrorism cannot be tolerated,” Ganguly stated on Friday.
Sporting Diplomacy Under Siege
Shahid Afridi’s outburst and India’s response show how terrorism now threatens to rip apart even the last few threads of sporting diplomacy. Cricket has often served as a soft bridge between India and Pakistan.
Yet, after the Pahalgam tragedy and Afridi’s remarks, that bridge looks on the verge of collapse. The next few weeks could decide whether cricketing ties survive or whether politics finally smashes that bond too.
