Virat Kohli reacts on Shahid Afridi’s ‘Kashmir’ statement, says his interests are always for the benefit of India

Kohli feels it is inappropriate to raise voice on such sensitive issues without knowing the history.

Shahid Afridi and Virat Kohli are mutual admirers of each other | Getty

India skipper Virat Kohli has expressed his views on Shahid Afridi’s statement concerning Kashmir, saying that he will oppose anything that is against the benefit of his nation. However, he clarified that it is inappropriate to raise voice on such sensitive issues without knowing the entire state of affairs.   

Speaking to the news agency ANI on Wednesday (April 4), Kohli said: “As an Indian you want to express what is best for your nation & my interests are always for the benefit of our nation. If anything opposes it, I would never support it for sure”.

“But having said that, it's a very personal choice for someone to comment about certain issues. Unless I have total knowledge of the issues & the intricacies of it I don't engage in it but definitely your priority stays with your nation,” he further added.

On Tuesday (April 3), Afridi had grabbed the headlines for his rather controversial tweets on ‘Kashmir’. The former Pakistan all-rounder had called for United Nations’ (UN) intervention on Kashmir issue after the Indian security forces killed 13 terrorists in three gunfights.

“Appalling and worrisome situation ongoing in the Indian Occupied Kashmir.Innocents being shot down by oppressive regime to clamp voice of self determination & independence. Wonder where is the @UN & other int bodies & why aren't they making efforts to stop this bloodshed?” Afridi had tweeted.

The rivalry between India and Pakistan aside, Virat and Afridi share a very healthy relationship. Earlier this year, Shahid Afridi had termed the Indian captain as a great human being before adding that the political hostility can never define his cordial relation with Kohli.

"My relationship with Virat is not dictated by political situation. Virat is a fantastic human being and an ambassador of cricket for his country, just like I am for my country. He has always shown a lot of respect and has even gone out of his way to present a signed jersey for my foundation (Shahid Afridi Foundation)," Afridi had told PTI in February.  

Moreover, Afridi enjoys a massive fan following across the border. During the recently held Ice Cricket T20 tournament in Switzerland, he was seen posing with the tricolor after Indian fans’ request.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 04 Apr, 2018

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