Shahid Afridi is a name known worldwide, not just for his cricket but for his philanthropy. His charity works have gained him a lot of respect all over the world and he is yet again being applauded, especially in the Indian community, for respecting their flag in the St. Moritz Ice Cricket Series.
Probably the best thing you'd see on twitter today. Shahid Afridi asks an Indian fan to straighten out her Indian flag while posing for a photo in #Switzerland: pic.twitter.com/lDjklDvY60
— Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) February 10, 2018
The world saw cricket being played on a frozen lake in temperatures well below freezing point for the first time ever.
With cricketing legends from all the countries coming together to grace the event – the cricketing environment despite being far from perfect – it was a scene to behold.
Two teams, namely Afridi’s Royals and Sehwag’s Diamonds, led by former players from Pakistan and India – Shahid Afridi and Virender Sehwag – battled for glory in a unique fashion with a twist of Indo-Pak rivalry.
The Royals emerged victorious as Afridi’s men easily galloped to victories in both the T20s.
Coming back to the praise Afridi has been receiving for the past couple of days for asking his Indian fan to hold the flag properly before taking a photograph, Boom Boom has made a lot of new fans in India.
Honouring the sanctity of the Indian flag, as everyone should respect the flags of other nations, Afridi’s gesture holds huge significance as the people of both countries are missing those enthralling clashes between two giants in cricket.
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Here’s how people are appreciating Afridi.
Shahid Afridi asks his Indian fan to open her flag and then poses for this exquisite photo. The message is, leave politics aside, and let cricket be. Well-done @SAfridiOfficial! pic.twitter.com/HJmHsq2OQq
— Ammara Ahmad ਅਮਾਰਾ ਅਹਿਮਦ (@ammarawrites) February 10, 2018
Indian cricketers loved it too.
What a thoughtful gesture shown by @SAfridiOfficial, Indian flag waves not because of the winds, it makes the winds blow. #JaiHind pic.twitter.com/ptQDKubUy5
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) February 10, 2018
His gesture won millions of hearts on both sides of the border.
Pakistani cricket legend, Shahid Afridi asks his Indian fan to unfold her flag and then poses happily for a photo with her. Little actions like these, bring the world closer and promote love and peace on the planet! Proud of you @SAfridiOfficial ❤️ 🇮🇳 🇵🇰 ✌️ 🌍 pic.twitter.com/kTGA3xk86D
— Harjinder Singh Kukreja (@SinghLions) February 11, 2018
Political tensions aside, these small gestures mean a lot for the people of two countries.
Big Reason.. Why @SAfridiOfficial is loved Globally… "Flag Seedha karo" Shahid Bhai Lots of Love… From India… https://t.co/3thbvE5BCr
— Rohit Jaiswal (@rohitjswl01) February 10, 2018
Great gesture, indeed.
Great gesture from @SAfridiOfficial Indian fan was cautious of unrolling her flag in front of him, he told her to hold it straight and click the photo. And of course he was happiest with his own flag and fellow countrymen – pic courtesy @arsalanhshah pic.twitter.com/x4g3Gew9fA
— Razia Desai (@raziiia) February 9, 2018
Salute! Shahid Afridi's respect for Indian flag will melt your heart. It's also a slap to hatemongers in India.https://t.co/6FbAxJZJAT pic.twitter.com/WK7iQiQivb
— Rifat Jawaid (@RifatJawaid) February 10, 2018
The incident also sparked a jibe from Ashok:
If an Indian cricketer would have done what Afridi did, but with a Pakistani flag, imagine Sanghi reaction – s(he) would have been already sent to Pakistan! https://t.co/9FQ0CMtszi
— Ashok (@ashoswai) February 10, 2018
Lanat teray jaman te