Shahid Afridi's response to Chalukyan's Letter

Dear Chalukyan,

This is in response to your heart warming note, To start off with, why shouldn’t I had not read the note, its fans who make us, their love and appreciation is what matters the most after our performance. I thank you for taking out time and acknowledging the humanitarian work I do as part of my Shahid Afridi Foundation, the purpose of it solely is to work for fellow humans and do our bit in making their life better.

Whereas your comparison is concerned, I respect your thoughts however here’s my take on it;
Sports are supposed to bring nations closer and not take them at war. India and Pakistan have been arch rivals but despite of that I have let that remain till the field and not brought it home. I have some great Indian friends, Harbajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Khan to name a few with whom I have spent some great time. My innings in Chennai has a great memory attached to it where the Indian crowd supported me and made me feel at home. Their chants of Boom Boom and Lala still echo in my ears very loud whenever I think of it. Why forget I hosted the Indian team in Karachi at my residence back in the day during their tour of the country and how can one forget the unintentional carelessness could have lead to a greater cause of embarrassment, we all laugh at it now that we think of it haha.

Cricket and sports should be used to promote peace among nations, the act of an individual can never ever be taken as an act of the whole nation, if somebody is sledging or war mongering or passing inappropriate comments, it just shows and portrays their upbringing. As a sportsman, one must appreciate regardless of nationality if somebody or a team performs, be that be India even and that’s exactly what I did, we learn this way and that is exactly what we call sportsman spirit, perhaps those who are doing sledging or war mongering lack this sportsman spirit in them. I recently said in a statement that I get a lot of love and respect from India, your note just corroborates my claim, Indian fans are indeed very loving and hospitable.

Its easier to do war mongering, talk aggressive but that’s not being constructive, as sportsmen we’re the undeclared ambassadors of our country and I strongly believe we should be having great ties, restoring cricket and ensure cordial relations with neighbors but for that the Indian side has to make a sincere effort too. I advocate peace and love, I advocate for humanity and it is my believe that the war mongering hysteria from across the border that portrays the mindset of few will end, We in Pakistan have evolved and have come out of this anti India sentiment, I pray one day our neighbors will evolve too.
Here’s hoping to meet you one day, when the borders will be treated as borders, Neighbors will treat us and look at us with respect and Cricket will be the real winner.

Regardless of whoever wins the Champions Trophy Final on Sunday between Pakistan and India, a good game of cricket is what I’m looking forward to – May the best team win.

Love and Regards,
Shahid Khan Afridi

Source: Shahid Afridi Official