Skipper Shahid Afridi drew stinging attacks by fans and the local cricketing fraternity for his statement in a recent press conference at the World Twenty20 where he declared his side received was “more loved in India than in Pakistan”.
The flamboyant all-rounder was even critcised in the mainstream Pakistani media.
Afridi, however, received some support from his one-time captain Wasim Akram — the former great though, did it in a different style.
In an interview with Sports Today, Akram said Indian superstars Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni would receive as much love in Pakistan as they get in their homeland.
“There will be traffic jams if Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni visit Pakistan because cricket is a loved sport in both the countries,” the former Pakistan captain told Sports Today in an attempt to clarify what Afridi meant in his statement.
Akram also urge Afridi to focus solely on cricket and ignore the reaction to his comments back home.
“Afridi should concentrate on cricket than what is happening back in Pakistan. There is too much pressure on him right now and I can only wish him luck,” Akram told Sports Today.
Afridi's first challenge will come against Bangladesh on Wednesday in Pakistan opening World T20 game.
They will then take on India at Kolkata on Saturday in the most awaited World T20 2016 fixture.
