“If you want the world to respect your country, respect your premier”, said Afridi.
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Former test cricketer Shahid Afridi on Saturday broke his silence over why he cheered Shehbaz Sharif as new premier, an apolitical gesture for which PTI social media whipped the wannabe politician for days on end.
“I have always had a high opinion for Imran Khan as captain but dissenting with his (Khan’s) policies as prime minister was his right,” the masterblaster all-rounder said in a video statement captioned ‘Pakistan’s sovereignty is above all’ on his YouTube channel.
“In civilised societies, a difference of opinion is respected, he said, adding that the difference of opinion should not be converted into hate.”
The retired cricketer, who is still popularly known as ‘Boom-Boom Afridi’ for his explosive batting, said he saw it coming.
“I knew I would be criticised after congratulating Sharif for assuming the office of the Prime Minister of Pakistan,” he added.
He said Khan had always been his idol as well as his inspiration to become a cricketer.
“I never attempted any slanderous attack on him, but I have the right to disagree with his policies,” he added.
The cricketing celebrity said that through this video he had expressed his views as a common Pakistani.
“The head of the state commands respect from everyone, regardless of his political affiliation, as he is the face of the country,” Afridi said, adding, “If you want the world to respect your country, respect your premier”.
“We must work together for the country …,” he added.
Meanwhile, in talking to Samaa TV, Afridi said ex-former Prime Minister Imran Khan lacked a strong team to execute his vision for a better Pakistan.
He vouched for Khan’s extraordinary ambitions for strengthening the country.
“Khan’s vision regarding Pakistan is very good but to implement it he needs to have a good team but I believe in the future he will overcome those mistakes,” the TV channel quoted Afridi as saying.
During the interview, Afridi once again hailed the Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif for his administrative skills.
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