Is Shahid Afridi the New Flag-bearer of World Peace? Video of Pakistani Cricketer's Noble Gesture of Respecting Indian Flag Goes Viral
Afridi who has always been vocal about spreading love than embracing hatred has once again proved to be the flag-bearer of world peace.
India and Pakistan share a turmoiled history and even worse political ties. It is no hidden secret that the two nations don’t see eye to eye and are always at war against each other. However, events such as one St. Moritz Ice Cricket 2018 tournament witnessed gives citizens of two countries hope of peaceful future. The hero of this much-talked episode is Shahid Afridi. Famously known as Lala in the world cricket, the former Pakistani all-rounder won hearts around with his noble gesture of paying respect to the Indian national flag during the Ice Cricket challenge in Switzerland. Videos and pictures of Shahid Afridi asking an Indian fan to hold Tiranga properly has gone viral on the social media earning him praises from all quarters. St Moritz Ice Cricket 2018 in Pictures: See Virender Sehwag, Shahid Afridi and Other Stars Enjoy Playing on Snow in Switzerland.
Owing to the deteriorating relations between India and Pakistan, the two Asian cricketing powerhouses have stopped playing the game. Nevertheless, tournaments such as St. Moritz Ice Cricket held in picturesque Swiss locales brought former international cricketers from respective nations together.
Held over a span of two days on February 8 and 9, Shahid Afridi led Royals side while India’s former star opener Virender Sehwag was named the skipper of Badrutt's Palace Diamonds. The teams were slated to play two Twenty20 matches on the thick ice of frozen St. Moritz Lake and it was during the competition the world saw the thoughtful act of Afridi.
Watch: Shahid Afridi Brings Smile on Each of His Fan's Face
Afridi shared a video on his Instagram account depicting the much love he received from his fans in Switzerland. Known for his flamboyant personality, Afridi enjoys a massive fan following around the world including Indians. However, when a female fan from India wanting to get an autograph and photo with him chose to fold the Tiranga she has been holding, Afridi asked her to not do so. In fact, the legendary Pakistani cricketer asked the girl to hold it properly. He is heard saying 'Flag Seedha Karo Apna' (hold the flag correctly). Hawk-eyed netizens were quick to notice this kind gesture by the man and hailed his actions on Twitter.
We Love You Shahid Afridi
What a Noble Gesture from a True Gentleman
Dil Jeet Liya!!
In the complete video, you can see a crowd of swarming fans waiting to meet Shahid Afridi. Be it a selfie, photograph or an autograph, cricket fans just seem to not get enough of ‘Boom Boom’ Afridi. After paying respect to the Indian flag, the stylish cricketer is also seen showing much love to his own country’s green flag in the clip. Afridi who has always been vocal about spreading love than embracing hatred has once again proved to be the flag-bearer of world peace.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 10, 2018 06:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).