Shahid Afridi attracts criticism after praising Taliban as people with 'positive mindset'

Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi has got himself into a controversy after praising Taliban, who has recently swept to power in Afghanistan. In a video that’s going viral on social media, Afridi can be seen terming Taliban as a group of people with a positive mindset.

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“Taliban have come with a very positive mind. They’re allowing ladies to work. And I believe Taliban like cricket a lot. Taliban is giving jobs to ladies, supporting cricket, and the cricket series against Pakistan as well. Taliban is very positive towards cricket,” Afridi told the media in Pakistan on Monday as reported by DNA.

Ever since the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan, there were concerns if cricket in the country will be affected with this political turnaround. However, Afridi feels Taliban loves cricket and will support the game. While the Taliban have extended their support to men’s cricket, there are reports that women's cricket will be stopped in Afghanistan. Afridi's comments have not got down well with the netizens who have slammed him for his controversial statement.

Speaking to the Sports Desk podcast, Hamid Shinwari, chief executive of the national board, said: “I think it will be stopped – that is my assumption. I really don’t know what the position in the future will be. We have kept the salaries and they are on our payroll. If the government decides that we don’t go with the national women’s team, we will have to stop it.”

Meanwhile, Shahid Afridi has hinted that the upcoming season of the PSL might be his last professional event. The all-rounder has a staggering record in the PSL, with 465 runs and 44 wickets to his name in 50 games. Afridi has represented three franchises - Karachi Kings, Peshawar Zalmi, and Multan Sultans in the PSL but the ‘Boom Boom’ wants to draw curtains on his career after playing for Quetta Gladiators.

“Maybe this ends up being my last PSL. I would like to play for Quetta Gladiators this season, provided Multan allows me to leave. If Nadeem Omar and Quetta’s owners want to have me, I would love to represent them,” Afridi was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.