Afridi and India-Pakistan classics
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi recounts his experiences with India's cricketers over the years
ESPNcricinfo staff
04-May-2017
Over the years, Shahid Afridi has featured in countless India-Pakistan matches and hopes the June 4 tie between the two sides in the Champions Trophy turns out to be a "classic". Writing in a column on the ICC website, Afridi also recalled many pleasant memories he shared with India's cricketers.
Contrary to popular belief, India and Pakistan players get along very well. Of course, there are exceptions like Gautam Gambhir, who dare I say isn't the friendliest. We are unlikely to be found together at a coffee shop anytime soon. We had a heated exchange on the field some years ago and it made headlines all over the world. While I have moved on in life as I feel these things are part and parcel of the game, Gautam for some reason can't get over it. Good luck to him! While Gautam is clearly an exception, I have enjoyed excellent relationships with Yuvraj Singh, Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh. The three are one of my best mates and we have some wonderful memories together.
I recall during one of India's tours to Pakistan, I invited the entire India team to my Karachi house. We prepared special Pathan-style rich food, full of lamb and mutton dishes. When the food was served, there was a complete silence in the room and my Indian friends were looking at each other. At that point, I realised that my honourable and respectable guests don't eat that type of food!