Shikhar Dhawan Reacts to Shahid Afridi's Comments on Indian Army
The controversy has sparked a wider debate about the role of sports personalities in commenting on sensitive political issues, with both countries trading blame and criticism over the attack, and the situation is likely to continue, with India and Pakistan continuing to take measures in response to the attack.
Shikhar Dhawan, an Indian cricketer, has responded strongly to former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi's comments about the Indian Army, calling them "bewajah" (unwarranted) and criticizing Afridi for questioning the media's coverage of the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack.
Afridi had sparked controversy by blaming the Indian Army for the Pahalgam terror attack, saying their inability to provide security despite a large presence in Kashmir means they are "inefficient and useless". He also criticized the Indian media's coverage of the attack, calling it "senseless" and accused some Indian cricketers of baselessly blaming Pakistan without providing proof.
Dhawan fired back, referencing India's victory in the Kargil conflict, and criticizing Afridi for his comments. Afridi responded sarcastically, offering Dhawan "fantastic tea", referencing a 2019 incident where a Pakistani officer asked Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman if he liked the tea during his detention. The exchange has sparked a cross-border spat between the two cricketers.
The controversy comes as India takes a series of non-military measures in response to the attack, including revoking visas of all Pakistan nationals in India and putting the Indus Water Treaty on hold. The incident has highlighted the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, with both countries trading blame and criticism over the attack.
The exchange between Dhawan and Afridi has sparked a wider debate about the role of sports personalities in commenting on sensitive political issues. While some have praised Dhawan for standing up for the Indian Army, others have criticized him for escalating the situation. The controversy is likely to continue, with both countries continuing to trade blame and criticism over the attack.