Srinagar
Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Khan Afridi on Tuesday said that both India and Pakistan should allow Kashmiris to decide their fate.
During a joint live show of ARY News of Pakistan and ABP News of India, while commenting on upcoming clash between India and Pakistan, Afridi along with former Indian Gautam Gambhir were discussing the prospects of the match and possibilities of India and Pakistan bilateral matches, when the Indian host told Afridi that when he tweets, Gautam responds.
To which Afridi replied, “it is Gautam’s love”. And Gambhir responded by saying, “the tweets deserve that type of replies.”
Afridi said: “I believe that as celebrities we should carry the message of love and peace.”
Gambhir responded: “Absolutely, 100 percent… I believe in the fact that jawans (soldiers) die on this side and they die at the other side (Pakistan) as well… Mothers lose their sons there and here…”
However, Gambhir said that the two countries should only play cricket when the relations improve bilaterally. “I think that is what matters… Because I have earlier also said this that the lives of the people (on both sides) are more important.”
However, Afridi said that the resolution of Kashmir dispute can help the situation improve between the two countries.
While Afridi hailed Gambhir for his comments, he made an intervention and said: “I often say that Kashmir should neither be given to India nor to Pakistan… Kashmiris should be asked what they want.”
Afridi opined that this will help the situation improve and can help resolve the issues between the two countries.
Though Indian anchor tried to deviate from the topic, by saying “we are here to talk about the Asia Cup,” but Afridi reiterated that “we are here to bring both the countries together”.
Though ABP News anchor tried to deviate from the topic, by saying “we are here to talk about the Asia Cup,” but Afridi reiterated that “we are here to bring both the countries together”.
Afridi said: “No, No… We are here to get people closer.”
Meanwhile, another Indian guest, a former cricketer intervened and said: “I want to say that we should not drag Kashmir here… Let Kashmir remain in Kashmir and it is a part of India.”
Both India and Pakistan are placed in Group A of the 2018 Asia Cup and take on each other in the group stage match. Pakistan defeated Hong Kong in their opening match and India too registered a hard-fought victory over them. The winner of this match will take the top spot on the points table.
