It is sad that politics is being played with cricket: Shahid Afridi

Pakistan’s cricketing superstar Shahid Afridi has condemned the arrest of his fan in India. Speaking to a local press, Afridi felt that the incident was shameful while choosing to be neutral saying that such acts in which politics is mixed with sports should always be condemned regardless if it happens in India or Pakistan.

“It is shameful that such an incident should take place. It is sad that politics is being played with cricket,” Afridi was quoted as saying by ‘Jang’ newspaper.

According to reports, Ripon Chowdhury was apprehended by local police following a complaint filed by the youth wing of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). The police are said to have arrested the youth and lodged a case under section 120(B), 294 of the Indian Penal code.

Afridi said he would appeal to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to look into the matter.

“Such incidents highlight intolerance and should be condemned. Because if there are fans of Pakistan cricket players in India the same is the case in Pakistan where there are fans of Indian players,” Afridi said.

“Cricket fans should only be seen as cricket lovers in both countries.”

Earlier, in January 2016, a die-hard fan of India Test skipper Virat Kohli was arrested in Pakistan and was facing up to 10 years imprisonment for hoisting the Indian tri-colour atop his home in Punjab Province which he claimed to have done to show his love for the cricketer.

22-year-old Umer Daraz, a tailor by profession from Okara district of Punjab province, was arrested and sent him to jail on judicial remand. Daraz was arrested on January 26 when India beat Australia in a T20 match and Kohli scored 90 runs. Police raided Draz home on a complaint that he hoisted the Indian flag on the rooftop of his house.

Police registered a case under section 123-A of Pakistan Penal Code and 16 Maintenance of Public Order against him. The section 123-A (acts of damaging the sovereignty of the country) carries maximum punishment of 10 years in jail or fine or both.

Draz pleaded before the judge that he hoisted the Indian flag only for his love for Kohli. Police had sought his physical remand for investigation into the case, however, the judge sent him to jail on judicial remand.