Pakistan have beaten India so much that we used to ask pardon from them after the match: Shahid Afridi

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan have a history of producing nail-biting thrillers. Both the cricket-obsessed nations have dished out many enthralling matches for fans over the years. Be it any format of the game, there’s always something special for the fans while witnessing a high-octane India-Pakistan game.

Along with the match result, pride is also at stake during an India-Pakistan thriller. Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi, while opining on the rivalry between both the nations, passed on a controversial statement saying Pakistan team used to beat India so often that they asked the Men in Blue to pardon them after the match. Afridi also revealed that he has enjoyed playing a lot against India and Australia.

“We have always enjoyed India. We have beaten them a lot. We have beaten them so much that we used to ask pardon from them after the match,” said Afridi during a chat with Sawera Pasha on YouTube show Cric Cast.

“I have enjoyed a lot playing against India and Australia, you have more pressure. They are good teams, big teams. Going and performing in their conditions is the big thing,” he added.

My most memorable inning was the 141 against India: Shahid Afridi

Furthermore, Afridi also picked his 141-run knock against India in 1999 as his most memorable knock. Despite Sachin Tendulkar’s ton in India’s second innings, Pakistan were successful to clinch the victory by 12 runs. Afridi also revealed an interesting story behind his selection for that particular tour.

“My most memorable inning was the 141 against India, that too in India,” revealed Afridi. “I was not going on that trip, they were not taking me. Wasim bhai and the chief selector that time supported me a lot. It was a very difficult tour and that inning was very important,” he added.

Afridi was also asked if he ever felt nervous due to the pressure involved in an India-Pakistan clash. He responded by saying one needs to be ‘mentally strong’ in international cricket as the expectations of fans are very high.

“International cricket is not for chicken-hearted players. You need to be mentally very strong because you need to take decisions there and perform on that stage. People’s expectations are very high. Fans want you to perform,” said Afridi, who had an illustrious career while donning the Pakistan jersey in 27 Tests, 398 ODIs and 99 T20Is.

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