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"Modi Plays Muslim-Hindu Card": Afridi Drags Rahul Gandhi Into Asia Cup Handshake Row

Akshita Patel

Shahid Afridi stoops to new low in India-Pakistan row [Source: @AdityaRajKaul, @RavinderKapur2/X.com]Shahid Afridi stoops to new low in India-Pakistan row [Source: @AdityaRajKaul, @RavinderKapur2/X.com]

Ex-Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has again courted controversy by accusing the Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, of playing the religious card. His remarks were made amidst the Asia Cup 2025 hand-shake controversy, when Indian players had refused to shake hands with Pakistani players.

The drama started after the India-Pakistan match in Dubai, when Indian players had refused to shake hands with their opponents. The gesture was seen as a silent protest against the Pahalgam terror attack in April, where 26 civilians lost their lives, followed by a four-day military conflict.

Shahid Afridi Slams Modi Government, Praises Rahul Gandhi

Ex-Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi, speaking on Samaa TV, condemned India’s no handshake gesture and accused the Indian government of “playing the Hindu-Muslim card” to stay in power. 

"I have been saying repeatedly that this government plays the religion card, plays the Muslim-Hindu card to come to power. This is a very nasty mindset. Rahul Gandhi has a positive mindset. He wants to walk with everyone, with the entire world, through dialogues," Afridi said.

Surprisingly, Afridi even praised Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, calling him someone with a positive mindset who believes in dialogue with Pakistan. He contrasted Gandhi’s approach with that of the Modi government, which he accused of trying to become the “next Israel”.

Afridi Defends Indian Team

Meanwhile, Shahid Afridi alleged that Indian cricketers had been ordered from above not to shake hands, blaming the BCCI and government pressure. He said the cricketers were innocent and were merely following orders.

"When the Asia Cup began, social media was filled with boycott campaigns ahead of the match between India and Pakistan. With so much public pressure, it is no surprise that the players and the BCCI were told not to shake hands with our team.  I don’t want to fault the Indian cricketers; they were given orders from up above," he added.

Pakistan’s cricket board (PCB), however, took offence and lodged a formal complaint, demanding action against the Indian team and ICC referee Andy Pycroft. 

Despite the noise, the ICC dismissed PCB’s demand to remove Andy Pycroft from officiating further Asia Cup games.