Former Pakistan player Shahid Afridi has applauded current captain Babar Azam for his gesture of supporting the out-of-form former Indian captain Virat Kohli. Afridi named Azam’s initiative as a very good one but further added that a response from the Indian star would have been great as well.
Taking to his official Twitter handle on Thursday (July 14), Babar Azam shared a picture of himself with Kohli and wrote: “This too shall pass. Stay strong. #ViratKohli.” While the gesture won the hearts of the fan, a lot of praise on social media. And, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan replied: “You will be remembered for this.”
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This too shall pass. Stay strong. #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/ozr7BFFgXt
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) July 14, 2022
Sharing his thoughts on Azam’s gesture, Afridi told Sports Central: “Be it cricket or any other sport, it improves relations (between countries). Athletes can do a much better job at it than politicians and a number of them are doing the same.”
He applauded the Pakistan skipper’s act. However, he also added that a response from the former Indian captain would be a pleasant surprise considering the current relations between the two countries. Afridi commented: “Babar has given across a very good message. I don’t know if there has been a response from the other side. I think Virat should have responded by now. It would be a very big thing if there is a response to Babar’s tweet, but I don’t think that is going to happen.”
However, Virat Kohli was dismissed for 16 in the second ODI of the three-match ODI series against England at Lord’s on Thursday (July 14). Chasing 247, India were all out for 146 as the hosts levelled the three-match series 1-1. The final ODI will be played at Old Trafford on Sunday, July 17.
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At a press conference ahead of Pakistan’s first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, Azam backed former Indian captain. He said: “As a player myself, I know you can go through such a phase and I also know what a player goes through in such a phase. In those times, you need support. I just tweeted thinking that it will give just some support. He is one of the best players. He is playing a lot of cricket and he knows how to come out of these situations. It takes time, if you back players, it will be really good.”
