India’s former cricketer Aakash Chopra, in a Youtube video on Monday,  slammed Indian fans who wished Pakistan’s legendary former all-rounder Shahid Afridi ill health and death following the news that the charismatic former cricketer had tested positive for Covid-19.

The 42-year-old revealed that he had to endure a lot of abuse after wishing Afridi a speedy recovery.

“Shahid Afridi tested positive for Covid-19. I wished him a speedy recovery but had to endure a lot of abuse on social media. I think we need to discuss it and sort it out. When this story [Afridi’s test] came out, a journalist said that it is a punishment for his wrongdoings. They claim that Afridi tested positive because he is a deplorable human being who has bad views which is why he is being punished by God. They almost mean that Afridi does not get better. I ask where is the humanity [in this sort of mindset],” Chopra said.

The former cricketer emphasised that we should not wish ill of others just because of our opinions.

“Do we wish somebody ill health? Do we actually wish someone death? Do we actually stoop down to that level? Many people point out Afridi’s remarks against India’s Prime Minister and its army. He has got a very strong opinion that I don’t agree with. But then is he [Afridi] not entitled to have his own opinion? Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I should not wish him death or ill health just because of that. Unless he was directly involved in wrongdoing then you can still make a point. If Afridi’s actions hurt someone, then it would be something else. If not should you not just wish him well while staying clear of his opinions? As a former player and as a human being would you not want him to get well? I would,” he said.

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Chopra also criticised the social media trolling endured by India’s former cricketer Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh after helping Afridi’s charity.

“Another story was when Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh posted something for Afridi to help for a fundraiser. Then the story came that Afridi said something about India’s Prime Minister. Yuvraj and Harbhajan both then said that they have broken all ties with Afridi. Was trolling them fine? When someone helps a charity gain fund they are not helping Afridi, they are helping humanity. Their nationality race and colour should not matter. If a Pakistani or Chinese person helps someone in India we should be thankful. We should not feel bad but happy about it. I am very sad that Yuvraj and Harbhajan had to apologise because they were trolled really badly for helping the charity,” he concluded.