It's a familiar story. The people of India and Pakistan go out of their way to promote friendship and then politics or some loose cannon ruins the mood.
Cricket fans have been keenly awaiting the India-Pakistan match at the World Twenty20 ever since the schedule was announced in December. After the Himachal Pradesh government objected to the initial plan to hold the game in Dharamsala, the match was shifted to Kolkata last week.
In the build-up to the clash on Saturday, fans from both countries have been doing their bit to foster a sense of friendship. Tying up with the organisers of World Twenty20, Facebook and Instagram have provided fans with a tool to modify their profile pictures to show support for their favourite team. As part of #ProfileForPeace, a social media campaign started last year, Indian and Pakistani cricket fans have been using their profile pictures to reflect support for the opposing team.
On Sunday evening, Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi added to the bonhomie. At a press conference following the team's arrival in India, Afridi said he was grateful to the Indian fans. “I've not enjoyed playing anywhere as much as I have in India," he said. "We have always enjoyed playing in India and have been loved by Indian crowds more than crowds back home in Pakistan."
He was supported by teammate Shoaib Malik, who is married to Indian tennis player Sania Mirza, who said the Pakistani team did not have any security concerns about playing across the border.
Their comments weren't exactly met with delight back home. On Monday, a lawyer in Lahore served a legal notice on Afridi and the Pakistani Cricket Board for "their love for India over Pakistan". Advocate Azhar Saddique accused Afridi of committing treason and hurting sentiments.
Then former Pakistani captain Javed Miandad went on a rant during a television interview. He said he was shocked and hurt at Afridi and Malik's comments.
“These cricketers should be ashamed of themselves for saying such a thing. Shame on you,” Miandad said on the Aaj TV channel. “What have the Indians given us? Speak the truth even while in India. For the last five years what have they given us or done with Pakistan cricket. Having served Pakistan cricket for so many years I am shocked and hurt to hear such comments from our players."
Miandad drew flak on social media for his tirade and was promptly reminded of his family ties to one of India's most wanted.
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