Shahid Afridi, the 36-year-old Pakistan cricket captain, was dragged to court for "committing treason" and "hurting sentiments" of Pakistanis, a day after his statement that the national cricket team was "loved more in India" than in Pakistan.
A senior lawyer served a legal notice to Afridi for his statement in India ahead of the World T20 tournament. "I have served a legal notice on Shahid Afridi and 'de facto' chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board Najam Sethi for their love for India over Pakistan. I have also written to PCB chairman Shahryar Khan to launch an inquiry into the statement of Afridi in India," said advocate Azhar Saddique.
"Afridi has let down the whole Pakistani nation for expressing more love for India than Pakistan. In fact he has committed treason. Now who will ensure that Pakistani team will play against India in Kolkata in T20 match to win," said Saddique. At a press conference in Kolkata, Afridi had said, "I've not enjoyed playing anywhere as much as I have in India. I am in the last stage of my career and I can say that the love I have got in India is something that I will always remember. We have not got this much love even from Pakistan. There are cricket-loving people here, much like in Pakistan. Overall, I've enjoyed a lot playing in India in my cricketing career".
Saddique said Afridi's insensitive statement has not only hurt the sentiments of Pakistanis but also made his (Afridi) life vulnerable. "God forbid if Pakistan loses match against India, Afridi keeping in view his 'pro-India' statement nobody here will forgive him ever," he said, adding Afridi is neither an ambassador nor a diplomat and he made "uncalled for comments" which he should take back.
"The PCB should investigate the role of Najam Sethi as he might have pushed Afridi to speak in favour of India. Sethi always advocates Indian cause," he said. The notices have been sent to the residences of Afridi and Sethi.
Earlier, when the Pakistani cricketers arrived in Kolkata they were given a warm welcome. The Pakistani cricketers arrival was delayed by a day as the country's government wasn't happy with the security arrangements in India. Finally after an assurance from India's Home Minister Rajnath Singh, the team finally arrived. The Pakistanis were scheduled to play in Dharmashala, the state government refused to host Pakistanis there owing to security reasons prompting the authorities to shift the venue to Kolkata. Pakistanis will play against India on March 19 at the Eden. Then they travel to Mohali, to cross swords with New Zealand on March 22 and Australia on March 25 in their remaining Group B fixtures.
