Afridi, Gambhir engage in a war of words: Details here
What's the story
India was shaken by a deadly terror attack in Pulwama in February this year. This had led to a number of public figures, including recently appointed Member of Parliament (MP) Gautam Gambhir, calling for cutting cricketing ties with Pakistan. Meanwhile, former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi has called Gambhir foolish over his suggestion that India should have boycotted the World Cup 2019 tie against Pakistan.
Twitter Post
Afridi terms Gambhir's views as 'insensible'
Shahid Afridi responds to Gautam Gambhir's suggestion that India should forfeit any World Cup matches versus Pakistan "Does this look like something which a sensible person would say? Do educated people talk like this?" #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/wYgtoOMI5k
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) May 24, 2019
Bad attitude
Afridi has written about Gambhir's attitude in this book
Afridi, who recently launched his book 'Game Changer', mentioned about Gambhir's attitude problem. "Oh poor Gautam. He and his attitude problem. He who has no personality. He who is barely a character in the great scheme of cricket. He who has no great records just a lot of attitude," Afridi had written in his book.
Twitter Post
Gambhir wants to take Afridi to a psychiatrist
@SAfridiOfficial you are a hilarious man!!! Anyway, we are still granting visas to Pakistanis for medical tourism. I will personally take you to a psychiatrist.
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 4, 2019
Rich rivalry
Gambhir and Afridi have had several altercations on field
Both Gambhir and Afridi have had a rich rivalry, both on and off the pitch. One of the notable incidents of their rivalry happened in 2007 during an ODI in Kanpur, when Gambhir bumped into Afridi, who was bowling at the other end. This led to an exchange of a few words, before umpire Ian Gould intervened to cool off the situation.
Tie
India to meet Pakistan on June 16
One of the most exciting matches would be between India and Pakistan on June 16. Now that the talks of boycotting the tie have become muted, fans look forward to witness another electrifying clash between the arch-rivals. Notably, India enjoy a 6-0 lead over Pakistan in World Cup. India enter as one of the pre-tournament favorites, whereas, Pakistan have several issues to resolve.