Will never support ‘backstabber’ Shahid Afridi in the future: Harbhajan Singh

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has vowed to never support Shahid Afridi again, after the latter’s controversial remarks during a visit of selected areas in Azad Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday.

A video went viral on the social media in which Afridi could be seen making comments against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government for the abrogation of Article 370 from Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

"Modi deployed 7 lakh soldiers in Kashmir, same as the total strength of Pakistani forces,” said Afridi. "I am in your beautiful village, I am very delighted. I was planning to visit you all for a long time. The world is currently infected by such a big disease. But the bigger disease is in Modi's mind.”

Earlier, Indian cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan had unleashed a social media storm by backing former Pakistan captain Afridi's foundation in its fight against the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

The two countries are bitter rivals and the move touched a raw nerve in India.

Afridi's appeal for donations to help people affected by the deadly virus in Pakistan has had overwhelming support from leading cricketers.

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But after Afridi’s recent remarks, Harbhajan no longer consider the former as his friend.

“Shahid Afridi is no longer my friend because he ridiculed my country and our prime minister,” said Harbhajan while talking to Sports Tak. “Me and Yuvraj supported Shahid Afridi’s work and his foundation purely on basis of humanity and instead of being thankful he backstabbed us. I will never support him again. I promise everyone that you will never see a video or post for Shahid Afridi in the future.”

Harbhajan also requested Indian fans to take into account his services for the country before abusing him on social media.

“I’m facing backlash on Twitter since Afridi’s statement but I just want to tell all those people to go look what I have achieved for our country before you use such harsh words. It is easy to abuse people on Twitter,” he said. “What people forget is that I have served this country for more than 20 years while also winning two World Cups.”

Yuvraj is also miffed with Afridi's comments and took to Twitter, to express his displeasure.

“Really disappointed by Shahid Afridi‘s comments on our Hon’b PM Narendra Modi ji. As a responsible Indian who has played for the country, I will never accept such words. I made an appeal on your behest for the sake of humanity. But never again,” Yuvraj tweeted.

Really disappointed by @SAfridiOfficial‘s comments on our Hon’b PM @narendramodi ji. As a responsible Indian who has played for the country, I will never accept such words. I made an appeal on your behest for the sake of humanity. But never again.

Jai Hind 🇮🇳

— yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) May 17, 2020