Asia Cup 2018: Gautam Gambhir, Shahid Afridi Involve in a Verbal Banter Over Kashmir Issue

The debate over Kashmir never seems to come to an end between India and Pakistan. The politically troubled Kashmir has witnessed a lot in the recent past. Meanwhile, the veteran cricketers Gautam Gambhir and Shahid Afridi were involved in a banter over the same concern while speaking about the possibilities in the ongoing Asia Cup 2018 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

During a joint live show ‘Bada Muqabala’ of ARY News of Pakistan and ABP News of India, Gautam Gambhir and Kapil Dev from India and Shahid Afridi and the few other analysts for Pakistan joined the show.

During the course, the old foes, Gambhir and Afridi turned the issue of cricket to politics.

Recently, Afridi tweeted terming Kashmir as the India-occupied Kashmir.

On the very same issue, Gautam Gambhir retorted in a harsh manner saying that Afridi once again made a futile statement.

When asked about the same, Afridi replied saying ”It is a Gautam’s love.” Meanwhile, the stylish southpaw replied saying ”Those kinds of tweets deserve such kind of replies.”

Explaining the same, Afridi remarked that it is the responsibility of the celebrities to bring the peace and joy in the nation. 

“I believe that as celebrities we should carry the message of love and peace,” he said.

To which, Gautam Gambhir agreed and responded: “Absolutely, 10 Percent… I believe in the fact that jawans (soldiers) die on this side and they die at the other side (Pakistan) as well… Mothers lose their sons there and here…I think that is what matters… Because I have earlier also said this that the lives of the people (on both sides) are more important.”

We are here to bring both countries together – Shahid Afridi

Meanwhile, Afridi intervened in Gambhir’s words and that he believes Kashmir issues should be left alone for them and ask the people whether they would like to stay in India or Pakistan.

 “I often say that Kashmir should neither be given to India nor to Pakistan… Kashmiris should be asked what they want,” Afridi said.

The Indian reporter intervened and stated that we are here to talk about the Asia Cup 2018. Meanwhile, Afridi added that “we are here to bring both the countries together”.

Speaking of the same, an Indian guest concluded the things saying: ‘“I want to say that we should not drag Kashmir here… Let Kashmir remain in Kashmir and it is a part of India.”

All in all, the show ended on a heated note with both the countries specialists giving their strong words to the game. However, India easily sealed the game at the end of the day by eight wickets.

Shahid Afridi and Gautam Gambhir have done wonders for their respective nations. Moreover, in yet another Asia Cup 2018 clash, India will take on Pakistan on September 23 at Dubai.