Afridi says anti-India comments ‘out of context’

[HAIDER]

NEW DELHI: Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said on Tuesday his derogatory remarks about Indians and the Indian media had been taken out of context as he sought to counter anger over the comments.

The World Cup skipper had praised Pakistan’s media for being “100 times better” than India’s in a Pakistani TV show aired on Sunday, and said that Indians did not have “big and clean hearts” like Pakistani Muslims.

The comments shocked fans in India, who had praised his efforts during the World Cup to promote harmony between two estranged neighbours whose diplomatic relations are fraught with tension.

Pakistan lost to India in the competition’s semi-final in a much-hyped game that was attended by the leaders of both countries, in an event hailed as “cricket diplomacy”. India then beat Sri Lanka in Saturday’s final.

“I have enjoyed my cricket in India and I love Indian people,” Afridi told India’s NDTV channel in an interview aired on Tuesday.

“Don’t take my comments negatively. I have always got a lot of love and affection from Indian fans.

“And I request the media to play a more positive role and not waste time on such trivial issues.

“The media makes a big deal of small issues. It is shameful. I have always done my bit to improve Indo-Pak ties but sometimes you say something and it is interpreted the other way.

“I have been quoted out of context.”

In his TV comments on Sunday, which were aired at length and uninterrupted by Pakistani private channel Samaa, Afridi had said the approach of the Indian media was “very negative”.

“I believe their role has also been very dirty especially in terms of worsening ties between our two countries,” he said.

“If I have to tell the truth, Indians cannot have the kind of hearts that Pakistani Muslims have. They cannot have the big and clean hearts that Allah has given to Pakistanis.”

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral cricket series on each other’s soil since the Mumbai attacks in 2008 which derailed their peace process.
Afridi says anti-India comments ‘out of context’ | Sport | DAWN.COM

 

[Leader]

he is indeed mentally retarded.

 

[Nalwa]

Either he's the worst kind of two faced liar that there is or this video here is bogus.

 

[PlanetWarrior]

Shame . He must still be shell shocked after having to fly back home so early in the cup.

 

[HAIDER]

Shame . He must still be shell shocked after having to fly back home so early in the cup.

flew back because of security threat. Some India extremist groups threat Pak team.

 

[Secret Service]

he is indeed mentally retarded.

i think you are retarded ....

 

[Roybot]

I think Afridi is not aware of that fact that Indians can watch Pakistani channels and vice versa. Pakistani channels pe kuch aur Indian channels pe kuch aur statement.

 

[Nalwa]

flew back because of security threat. Some India extremist groups threat Pak team.

I really wanted to give you a good reply but I will desist. Just try thinking about these three words:Cricketers-security-threat. What is the first (and only) incident that comes to your mind?

 

[DelhiDareDevil]

flew back because of security threat. Some India extremist groups threat Pak team.

He flew home because Pakistan was knocked out of the world cup in India by India.

 

[Leader]

I think Afridi is not aware of that fact that Indians can watch Pakistani channels and vice versa. Pakistani channels pe kuch aur Indian channels pe kuch aur statement.

he is just trying to be nice...

 

[WAQAS119]

He said nothing wrong! Truth is always bitter

 

[SpArK]

EPIC..


The Classic U-Turn of the Confessions from a sore looser. But very much expected from a person like him.

 

[HAIDER]

He flew home because Pakistan was knocked out of the world cup in India by India.

Well, Mumbai incident cloud still hoovering around the stadium for Pak team visit. It was better idea not go, where anything could happened. Precautionary measures are better then cure ..sometime ..
If Pakistan lost in semi final then why go Mumbai ?. Anyone feelings might get hurt.

 

[GUNS-N- ROSES]

i think he is training to be a clever politician. pehale bol do aur baad mein kaho it was taken out of context.

he has bright future in politics.

 

[Capt.Popeye]

he is indeed mentally retarded.

Can't say much about that!
But he seems to be getting ready to start a political career later.
He is now beginning to practise his U-turns.