3 hours ago
Last Updated:September 16, 2025, 16:55 IST
Reacting to Shahid Afridi's comment, BJP said everyone who hates India finds an ally in Rahul Gandhi and Congress
India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in the group stage match of Asia Cup in Dubai on Sunday.
Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi lauded Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for what he described as a “positive mindset" during a television discussion in Pakistan. Speaking on Samma TV during a panel on the recent India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash, Shahid Afridi said Rahul Gandhi “believes in dialogue" and contrasted that with the BJP’s approach. He also drew a comparison between India’s policies towards Pakistan and Israel’s actions in Gaza.
“This government (In India) always plays the religion and Muslim-Hindu card to stay in power. This is a very bad mindset. Rahul Gandhi has a very positive mindset. He believes in dialogue. Is one Israel not enough that you are trying to become another?" Shahid Afridi said.
The remarks triggered strong reactions from the BJP as party national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said Shahid Afridi’s comments revealed the “long-standing alignment" between Congress and Pakistan’s narrative.
“After Hafiz Saeed, now Shahid Afridi praises Rahul Gandhi… Not surprised! Everyone who hates India finds an ally in Rahul Gandhi & Congress," Shehzad Poonawala wrote on X (formerly Twitter), adding that Congress echoed Pakistan’s position on issues ranging from Article 370 to the Mumbai terror attacks.
BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya also weighed in, calling Shahid Afridi a long-time critic of India, as he posted on social media, “Why is it that every India-hater finds a friend in Rahul Gandhi? When enemies of Bharat start cheering for you, the people of India know exactly where your loyalties lie."
India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in the Asia Cup group stage match in Dubai on Sunday. The game came just months after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam which killed 26 people, mostly Hindus, prompting criticism of the government by the Opposition for allowing the fixture to go ahead.
Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19
Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19
First Published:
September 16, 2025, 14:23 IST
News cricket 'Everyone Who Hates India...': Shahid Afridi's Praise For Rahul Gandhi Leaves BJP Fuming
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