Hyper-sensitive Pakistanis must calm down
The furore in Pakistan over cricketer Shahid Afridi's remark, that he has received a greater deal of love in India than in his home country, is a storm in a teacup. Afridi is in India to play the World T-20 tournament, and it was only natural for him to compliment the host nation. This is not just civil behaviour but it also endears him and his team to the cricket-loving Indian crowds before whom the Pakistani team shall be playing over the next few days. Indian cricketers too have in the past expressed their admiration for the affection they got in Pakistan during their trips to that country, but one does not recall any outburst of the sort that we are witnessing in Afridi's case. Indians recall with fondness Pakistani greats such as Zaheer Abbas, Imran Khan and Wasim Akram, to name a few.
Unfortunately, not only have former senior players such as Javed Miandad blasted the Pakistani captain but certain media channels there too have gone overboard in condemning the latter. Of course, the anti-India Pakistani media section is always eager to blow up issues and make a mountain of a mole-hill. Such controversies are the last thing that Afridi and his men need as they kick off their campaign in the tournament. This hyper-reaction has to do with a deep-rooted dislike for India and for anyone — more so a Pakistani — who dares to say nice things about this country. While some politicians and over-the-top commentators in both countries have made it a habit to spew venom, better was expected of Miandad, who ought to know the value of sportsmanship. By heaping shame on Afridi, the former cricketer has only exposed his parochial mindset, and belief perhaps that playing cricket with India is akin to waging war with this nation.
The silly outrage has even led to a Pakistani lawyer slapping a legal notice on Afridi for “hurting sentiments” of Pakistan and for “committing treason”. This is reminiscent of a recent incident wherein a Pakistani citizen was thrown behind bars for raising the Indian flag as a tribute to his favourite player — Virat Kohli. It would be nice if all those Pakistani experts, who repeatedly claim that cricket and politics should not be mixed, take a strong stand against the shocking response of the likes of Miandad, who appear determined to not just spoil the sporting environment but also inject divisiveness through a game that bonds people.
In any case, Afridi has not said anything wrong. It is a fact that, despite the occasional protests at certain venues, the Pakistani cricket team has been received warmly by cricket-loving Indians. Of course, they root for India during an India-Pakistan match, but that is about it. Whenever Pakistan plays another country, there is the lurking hope that it will do well. And, an India-Pakistan encounter is the most eagerly anticipated event. India's credential as a host is not limited to cricket. Pakistani singers such as Ghulam Ali will vouch for the love and regard with which they are received in India. While it's true that Ghulam Ali's shows ran into some trouble in Maharashtra recently and could not be held due to protests, he commands enormous popularity across this country. His peer, the late Mehdi Hassan, too had (and has) a cult following in India. There are innumerable other examples of similar kind.