Shahid Afridi clarifies his Kashmir statement; intensifies the controversy

It is a high mileage but extremely sensitive subject in India as well as neighbouring Pakistan to talk about Kashmir, the region which borders both countries on either side. There’s the Line of Control between the two nations and there’s cross-border terrorism into the Indian side of Kashmir sponsored by the other. Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi who had previously spoken about the Kashmir matter did that once again and needless to say, it sparked another debate.

The two countries have been at war multiple times over the same issue and the Indians defeated all the attempts from Pakistan. There are three or more fractions that claim to have an interest in Kashmir. India, Kashmiris and the separatists wanting an independent Kashmir. However, time and again Pakistan tries to raise the issue at global forums asking for United Nations intervention which has denied doing so since it is India’s internal matter.

Afridi in the first clip that appeared earlier today said he wants Kashmir to be independent. It should not be with India or Pakistan but an independent country on its own. “Pakistan does not need Kashmir; It is not able to even handle the four provinces it has. Neither India nor Pakistan should be given control of Kashmir, instead, Kashmir should be allowed to evolve as an independent country,” the statement read.

Afridi’s clarification:

Since it was an extremely inflammable situation given he’d draw criticism from people back home as well for his statement, Afridi issued a clarification. He’s said that the previous clip was incomplete and presented out of context. He went on to add that Kashmir is an unresolved dispute between India and Pakistan which should be resolved as per the UN resolution.

“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,” the Pakistani cricketer tweeted.

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.

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) November 14, 2018

This could be another attempt by the cricketer to stay in the news or strengthen his political aspirations.

Get the latest Cricket News and updates, Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.