Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has sparked a fresh controversy by claiming that some Indian players were threatened into boycotting a recent match against Pakistan. His remarks have added fuel to an already politically charged atmosphere just days before the two teams face off in the Asia Cup.
September 12, 2025: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has made severe accusations against Indian veteran cricketers in a new round of controversy before the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 match between India and Pakistan. Afridi said on Samaa TV that certain Indian players had to drop out of a recent veterans’ match against Pakistan because they were threatened with violence at home.
Afridi’s comments were about the World Championship of Legends (WCL) match in England that was called off lately. The India Champions squad pulled out at the last minute. Afridi remarked, “I have always said that cricket should go on because it has always helped improve relations between our countries.” He was confused by the Indian team’s choice not to play even though they had rehearsed for the game.
He then made a shocking assertion, saying that some players were informed, “Gharon tak pahunch jaate hain, ghar jalaane ki dhamkiyaan dete hain un players ko (People reach their homes and threaten to burn them down).” Afridi also made a sly jab at an unknown Indian player, calling him a “bad egg” who kept posting on social media and refusing to play even when his captain told him to. The former all-rounder said, “Some players are still trying to show that they are Indian (Kuch aise hain jo vahan sabit kar rahe hain ki hum Hindustani hain).” They’ve been doing this since they were born.
The official reason for canceling the WCL match was because of political tensions and public anger. Several Indian players, such as Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, and the Pathan brothers, had pulled out, saying they didn’t want to play because of how the country felt after a recent terrorist attack. EaseMyTrip, a major sponsor, also put out a statement saying that it will not be involved in any matches involving Pakistan.
Afridi didn’t say who he was talking about when he called a player a “bad egg,” but sources say he was talking about Shikhar Dhawan, who had already said on social media that he would not play against Pakistan and was loyal to his nation. The topic has sparked a social media frenzy on both sides of the border, with many people denouncing Afridi for what he said, especially since he has been on a World Cup commentary panel with Indian analysts like Irfan Pathan.