Shahid Afridi initially gained support for his efforts to help those in Kashmir during the coronavirus crisis, sharing his commitment to the cause on Twitter. Yet, he coupled these humanitarian goals with critical remarks directed at PM Narendra Modi. While some Indian cricketers had initially backed Afridi's foundation—believing that sports could transcend political borders during a global health crisis—his disparaging comments about India caused a backlash, leading many of those same players to slam him for his words.
Shahid Afridi extended arms to help Kashmiris from the coronavirus impact in the nation, the Pakistan cricketer had posted in his twitter account about serving the people, and he had written few lines against about the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the account. Initially, based on Afridi’s word about cricket binding borders, some of the Indian cricketers to support the COVID-19 fight encouraged to donate Afridi’s Foundation, but now with the anti-Indian post by Afridi had stirred a commotion and the Indian cricketers had lashed Afridi for his words.
Feeling betrayed by Afridi's comments, Harbhajan Singh—who had joined Yuvraj Singh in promoting the Pakistani cricketer's COVID-19 relief fund—made it clear that he can no longer associate with him. Harbhajan emphasized that after representing India on the field for two decades, his loyalty to his country comes first. He stated that he would even serve on the borders if called upon to protect the nation, concluding that his friendship with Afridi is officially over.
Yuvraj Singh was equally furious over the remarks about the Prime Minister, replying that his support for the foundation was based solely on a humanitarian request and would never happen again. Other prominent players, including Gautam Gambhir and Shikhar Dhawan, also voiced their disapproval of Afridi's Twitter posts.