Shahid Afridi responds to Gautam Gambhir's 'Dosti bahar rahni chahiye' comment

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has responded to Gautam Gambhir.

India and Pakistan players sharing lighter moments and having a discussion about the game is a new trend in India vs Pakistan rivalry in cricket. India vs Pakistan is the most intense, fierce, and high-octane battle on the cricket field. The new trends have added an extra flavour to one of the greatest rivalries of the game. While some rejoice in the light moments shared by players, a few have raised questions about the ‘missing aggression’ between players. Gautam Gambhir criticised the attitude of players and made comments that these friendships should remain outside.

Shahid Afridi gets back at Gautam Gambhir

Now former Pakistan captain and Gautam Gambhir’s fierce rival on and off the field, Afridi, has responded to Gambhir’s ‘Dosti Bahar rahni chahiye’ comment. He said, "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 addressed the Pakistani media about Gautam Gambhir’s statement.

Earlier during the India vs Pakistan clash, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir said, "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 bahar rahni chahiye (You need to have a game face, and friendship should be kept outside). There has to be aggression in the eyes of both sets of players. These days, you see players from rival teams patting each other on the back. You never saw that a few years ago."

A video was released from both sides showing players exchanging light moments with each other while practicing before the game. The new look of mutual respect on both sides has added an extra bit of flavour to this rivalry. Players still go hard at each other. The T20 World Cup 2022 game is the best example of how quality cricket was played with aggression on the field, and fans witnessed a last-ball thriller at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia.