The recent controversy over the India vs Pakistan match at the Asia Cup has took an unexpected turn, as former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi publicly defended the Indian team. Afridi claims that when Indian players declined the customary post-match handshake following their victory, they wasn’t acting out of disrespect, but were following directions from higher authorities. According to him, pressure from social media and national sentiment lead to instructions being issued by the BCCI.

Afridi expressed disappointment, saying that refusing the handshake goes against the spirit of the game, but insisted that the players had little choices. He argued that the directive come “from up above,” implying it was outside the players’ control. He also praised the Pakistan Cricket Board stance and made clear that while the situation may has embarrassed some, the pressure on Indian side was too immense.

Furthermore, Afridi highlighted how social media campaigns calling for a boycott of the match had setted the stage even before the game begin. He said those voices shaped expectations and put the Indian team under strains. The match referee Andy Pycroft role also became contentious, with Pakistan threatening to withdraw if he remain in charge for the rest of the tournament, though that issue was eventually resolved.

In closing, Shahid Afridi urged peoples not to blame the players directly, noting that responsibility lies higher up. He pointed out that in national sports, sometime players must follow policies formulated with larger considerations in mind even if those clash with sporting traditions.