WATCH: Shahid Afridi’s blunt take on Gautam Gambhir’s ‘Dosti bahaar rehni chahiye’ comment ahead of Ind-Pak clash in Asia Cup 2023

Team India is all set to lock horns against Babar Azam’s side on September 10 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to commence their Super Four journey in the Asia Cup 2023. Notably, the much anticipated game was washed out on September 2 when both sides locked horns after eleven months at Pallekele Cricket Stadium in Kandy. Meanwhile, former India cricketer turned analyst Gautam Gambhir was criticized by former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi over his remarks about the bond between India and Pakistan players on the field.

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir reiterated that the friendship between both sides should not be seen on the cricket field; it should be seen only outside. In addition, the cricket commentator feels the aggression was missing between the arch rivals when they faced each other on September 2. Moreover, the 2011 World Cup winner says that the friendship should be there after six or seven hours of play between India and Pakistan players.

So it is better to send out a message of love and respect: Shahid Afridi

“When you play on the field for your national team, you must leave the friendship outside the boundary ropes. Game face hona zaroori hai. Dosti bahaar rehni chahiye. (It is important to have a game face. The friendship can remain outside during the match). There has to be aggression in the eyes of both sets of players. You can be as friendly as you want after those six or seven hours of cricket,” Gautam Gambhir said on Star Sports.

Meanwhile, after his remarks, former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi said that his thoughts are much better and different from those of India’s star cricketer Gautam Gambhir. In addition, the former right-handed batter takes a dig at Gambhir while urging him to send a message of love and respect.

“That is his thought. I think differently. We are cricketers and ambassadors as well, we all have fans across the globe. So it is better to send out a message of love and respect. Yes there is aggression on the field, but there is life off the field as well,” Shahid Afridi said being quoted by Hindustan Times.

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Shahid Afridi responded to Gautam Gambhir's statement.#PAKvIND | #Cricket | #Pakistan | #ShahidAfridi | #GautamGambhir | #AsiaCup2023 | #Karachi | #India pic.twitter.com/Dqb2UHfbyW

— Khel Shel (@khelshel) September 5, 2023