Except Gauti, most India players are my friends: Afridi

Dubai, May 4 

Recalling fond memories of his friendship with several Indian cricketers, former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi on Thursday said that, contrary to popular perception, players from both the nations get along really well. Afridi, however, singled out veteran India opener Gautam Gambhir as the one with whom he doesn’t share a friendly equation.

For the record, the duo had a heated exchange on the field a few years back. In a column he wrote for the International Cricket Council as part of the build-up to the marquee clash between India and Pakistan in the Champions Trophy on June 4, Afridi fondly recalled his experiences of playing against the archrivals. 

“Contrary to popular belief, India and Pakistan players get along very well. Of course, there are exceptions like Gautam Gambhir, who dare I say isn’t the friendliest,” Afridi wrote. 

“We are unlikely to be found together at a coffee shop anytime soon. We had a heated exchange on the field some years ago and it made headlines all over the world. While I have moved on as I feel these things are part and parcel of the game, Gautam for some reason can’t get over it. Good luck to him!” 

Afridi said he cherishes the time he spent with the likes of Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Khan. “The three are my good mates and we have some wonderful memories together from the times when both the sides used to play and tour each other on a regular basis. 

“In the early days of our careers, we used to hang out together quite a lot and spend time at each other’s homes. Now, all of us are married and, as such, responsibilities and priorities have changed. But whenever we catch-up, we meet with warmth and love, and remember our good times together,” he recollected. 

Respect for Kohli 

Amongst the current crop of Indian cricketers, Afridi is a big fan of Virat Kohli.  “Another player I admire and respect from the present lot is Virat Kohli. He has a fantastic cricket bat in hand and an even a better heart in his supremely fit body,” he said.

“I will always remember him for the gesture of giving me an Indian jersey signed by many players following our match in Kolkata in the World T20. 

“This shirt sits prominently in my collection and will always remind me of not only my matches and visits to India, but my excellent relationships with most, if not all India cricketers,” he added. — IANS