Shahid Afridi praises Rahul Gandhi, criticises BJP over ‘religion card’

Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi stirred a controversy during a TV debate by praising Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and accusing the BJP of using religion to stay in power.

Speaking on Samaa TV, Afridi said, “This government always plays the Hindu-Muslim card. Rahul Gandhi, however, believes in dialogue. It’s a very negative approach," Afridi said. "Rahul Gandhi, on the other hand, seems to have a positive mindset. He believes in dialogue. One Israel is enough, why try to become another?" he added.

His remarks came after India’s win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup, amid tensions following a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla has hit back, calling Afridi a “terror apologist” and accusing the Congress of being favoured by anti-India voices.

“After Hafiz Saeed, now Shahid Afridi—a terror apologist and India hater—praises Rahul Gandhi. Not surprised. Everyone who hates India finds an ally in Rahul Gandhi and Congress. From Soros to Shahid… INC = Islamabad National Congress,” Poonawalla wrote. Afridi's remarks came during a discussion surrounding the India-Pakistan match at the Asia Cup, which India won convincingly by seven wickets.

The match, held in Dubai, took place just months after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people were killed, by Pakistani terrorists.