Former Pakistani cricket captain Shahid Afridi has sparked controversy with his recent remarks regarding the Pahalgam terrorist attack that took place on April 22, 2025, in Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people, mostly tourists, tragically lost their lives. Afridi's comments have drawn ire from many, including Indian netizens and former cricketers, as he criticized the Indian government's response to the attack and alleged that the blame was hastily directed towards Pakistan.
During an appearance on a Pakistani news channel, Afridi claimed, "The terrorists continued to kill people in Pahalgam for an hour, and not a single Indian soldier out of 8 lakhs showed up. But when they did, they blamed Pakistan." His comments were made in the context of a brutal attack that has been described as one of the worst in recent history, with the terrorist group The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claiming responsibility.
Afridi's statements have not gone unnoticed. Many social media users reacted strongly, with some calling his comments "awful" and suggesting he should focus on cricket instead. One user sarcastically noted, "Afridi couldn’t even read a cricket pitch correctly, now he wants to read military operations? Stick to losing World Cups, champ." The backlash reflects the heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly in light of the recent attack.
As the National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the investigation into the Pahalgam attack, Afridi continued to voice his criticisms. He accused India of not only failing to protect its citizens but also of engaging in a blame game against Pakistan. "India carries out terrorism itself, kills its own people, and then puts the blame on Pakistan," he stated, emphasizing his belief that terrorism is not supported by any country or religion.
Afridi's remarks also touched upon the Indian media's coverage of the attack. He expressed his astonishment at how quickly the media shifted focus to blaming Pakistan, stating, "It's surprising that within an hour of the attack, their media turned into Bollywood. For God's sake, don't make everything Bollywood." His comments were met with mixed reactions, with some agreeing and others criticizing him for his insensitivity.
In response to Afridi's remarks, former Pakistani Hindu cricketer Danish Kaneria offered a contrasting perspective. He expressed doubts over the Pakistan government's delayed condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and criticized a statement made by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister, who allegedly compared terrorists to freedom fighters. Kaneria's comments highlight the complex and often contentious nature of discourse surrounding terrorism and national security in the region.
Meanwhile, the Indian sporting community has united in condemning the Pahalgam attack. Cricket legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma took to social media to express their condolences and called for stringent action against the perpetrators. Sourav Ganguly, former President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), went a step further, advocating for a complete severance of cricketing ties with Pakistan.
The Pahalgam attack has not only reignited discussions about security in Kashmir but has also led to diplomatic repercussions. In a significant move, India has suspended the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan and revoked 14 categories of visas for Pakistani nationals, signaling a hardening stance in relations between the two countries.
As the investigation continues, the NIA is thoroughly examining eyewitness accounts and scrutinizing the entry and exit points in Pahalgam to uncover the terrorists' modus operandi. The agency has deployed teams of forensic experts to gather evidence and piece together the events leading to this tragic incident.
In light of the ongoing tensions, Afridi's call for peace and dialogue resonates with some, as he reflects on his experiences as a captain during the 2016 T20 World Cup, where threats loomed over the team. He stated, "We have always tried to maintain good relations with India. We have always received numerous threats from there, even before tours." Afridi advocates for sports diplomacy as a means to foster better relations between the two nations, emphasizing the importance of sporting exchanges.
Despite the controversies surrounding his remarks, Afridi maintains that Pakistan's message is one of peace, asserting, "Islam teaches us peace only, and Pakistan never supports such kinds of acts." His statements, however, have sparked debates about accountability and the responsibilities of both nations in addressing terrorism.
As both India and Pakistan navigate this complex landscape, the need for constructive dialogue and understanding remains crucial. The Pahalgam attack serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by both nations, and the responses from leaders and public figures will continue to shape the narrative in the days to come.
