Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi stirred controversy after praising Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during a televised panel discussion on Samaa TV following the recent India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash. Afridi described Rahul Gandhi as someone with a “positive mindset” who believes in dialogue, contrasting his stance with what he called the BJP’s divisive politics. He went a step further, comparing India’s current policies toward Pakistan with Israel’s actions in Gaza.
“This government in India always plays the Muslim-Hindu card to remain in power, which is a very bad mindset. Rahul Gandhi has a very positive mindset. He believes in dialogue. Is one Israel not enough that you are trying to become another?” Afridi remarked during the debate.
His comments quickly escalated into a political storm in India. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala accused Afridi of exposing Congress’ alignment with Pakistan’s narrative.
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“After Hafiz Saeed, now Shahid Afridi praises Rahul Gandhi… Not surprised! Everyone who hates India finds an ally in Rahul Gandhi and Congress,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), adding that Congress had mirrored Pakistan’s views on issues ranging from Article 370 to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
Rahul Gandhi has been the darling of Pakistan!
शाहिद अफरीदी और पाकिस्तानी लोग राहुल गांधी को अपना नेता बना सकते हैं। pic.twitter.com/MI4Io4R3mV— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) September 16, 2025
The bigot Shahid Afridi comparing India to Israel and Pakistan to Gaza is the best thing one has heard in a while. The fear is real.
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) September 16, 2025
After Hafiz Saeed now Shahid Afridi ( Terror apologist & India hater ) praises Rahul Gandhi… Not surprised! Everyone who hates India finds an ally in Rahul Gandhi & Congress
From Soros to Shahid …
INC = Islamabad National Congress
Cong Pak Yaarana is very old
Art 370 to… pic.twitter.com/Od5W7gDcFH— Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) September 16, 2025
BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya also responded strongly, branding Afridi a habitual critic of India. “Why is it that every India-hater finds a friend in Rahul Gandhi? When enemies of Bharat start cheering for you, the people of India know exactly where your loyalties lie,” Malviya posted.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju joined the chorus, writing on X that “Rahul Gandhi has been the darling of Pakistan!” and sarcastically suggesting that Afridi and Pakistan could “make Rahul Gandhi their leader.”
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The timing of Afridi’s remarks added fuel to the fire, as they came just after India’s commanding seven-wicket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup group stage in Dubai. The match carried additional emotional weight, taking place only months after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people, most of them Hindus. Opposition parties had earlier criticised the government for permitting the high-voltage fixture despite heightened security concerns.
