Indian cricketers face backlash for supporting Pakistan virus fund

NEW DELHI: Indian cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh have unleashed a social media storm by backing former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi’s foundation in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

The two countries are bitter rivals and the move touched a raw nerve in India.

Afridi’s appeal for donations to help people affected by the deadly virus in Pakistan has had overwhelming support from leading cricketers.

Harbhajan urged people to contribute in a video message, and called on other cricketers in the two countries to make similar appeals.

While Afridi thanked the two, Indian Twitter users reacted with fury at the support for a rival player who has been a vocal critic of India’s handling of the Kashmir dispute.

“Do you have any sense?” wrote one Twitter user. “Lost respect” for Harbhajan Singh, added another. “Sorry guys you lost it.”

Yuvraj has reacted to the backlash he received for asking for help. He said that he didnt want to hurt anyones feelings and all he tried was to help people suffering due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“I really don’t understand how a message to help the most vulnerable people gets blown out of proportion! All I tried to achieve through that message was to help people in our own respective countries by providing healthcare, my intention was not to hurt anyone’s feelings,” Yuvraj said in a message posted on his Twitter handle.

“I’m an Indian and I will always bleed blue and will always stand for humanity. Jai Hind,” he added.

“These are testing times, it’s time to lookout for each other specially the ones who are lesser fortunate. Let’s do our bit, I am supporting Shahid Afridi and Shahid Afridi Foundation in this noble initiative of COVID-19. Please donate on donatekarona.com,” Yuvraj had tweeted tagging Harbhajan.

Harbhajan had earlier praised Afridi for the valuable social work he was doing in these trying circumstances.

However, a hash tag# shame onyuvib hajji started trending on Wednesday with users lashing out at the duo for helping Afridi. At the same time, there was also support for the former India all-rounder with #Istandwithyuvi hashtag doing the rounds.

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral cricket series since 2012-2013 and have seen a new peak in tensions over Kashmir, which has been at the centre of two wars between the neighbours since 1947.