KARACHI: Former captain Shahid Afridi found himself in hot water on Wednesday over his controversial remarks about the Kashmir dispute.

While addressing students at the British parliament the cricketer had said: “The world has turned Kashmir into an issue. Kashmir is not an issue.”

In a video of his speech circulating on social media, Mr Afridi said: “I say...Pakistan does not want Kashmir. Don’t give it to India either. Let Kashmir become its own country. At least humanity should stay alive. The people who are dying, at least that [bloodshed] should not happen.”

“Pakistan is unable to take care of these four provinces. Do not give it to India either. Pakistan does not want Kashmir either. Humanity is a big thing. The people who are dying there, it hurts us. Any death, whichever religion they belong to, is painful,” he said.

The remarks were quick to spark a controversy in India and Pakistan and were reported by media outlets on both sides of the border.

However, the former skipper soon issued a statement on Twitter, clarifying that his remarks were being misinterpreted by Indian media and that the clip was incomplete.

“My comments are being misconstrued by Indian media! I’m passionate about my country and greatly value the struggles of Kashmiris. Humanity must prevail and they should get their rights,” Mr Afridi said in a series of tweets.

“My clip is incomplete & out of context as what I said before that is missing. Kashmir is unresolved dispute & under brutal Indian occupation. It must be resolved as per UN resolution. Myself along with every Pakistani support Kashmiri freedom struggle. Kashmir belongs to Pakistan,” he added.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2018