Just In: Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh recalls his friendship days with Pakistan spearhead all-rounder Shahid Khan Afridi, saying, “he had many close friends in the Pakistan squad, including, Shahid Afridi, “Lala”.
In a recent video statement, Harbhajan Singh said, “Lala would bring me gifts, particularly Punjabi Dramas and Peshawari Jutti (Chapals)”. He also remembered Saqlain Mushtaq as one of his oldest Pakistani Friends.
Harbajan Singh opens up about his relationship with Pakistani cricketers on a TV Show. When questioned regarding his relations with Pakistani players, he replied, “I had many friends in the Pakistan team as well. They used to bring me gifts.”
The former Indian Spinner also revealed his off-the-field associations with Pakistani players. He admitted it by saying, “I had a close friendship with Saqlain Mushtaq, and we both discussed cricket a lot whenever we met outside the ground.”
During the show, the former cricketer called back the memories of the Historic Test between Pakistan and India, in which the legendary Anil Kumble demolished the Pakistani batting unit by taking ten wickets in a single inning.
He said, “That was the only time when I felt relieved I didn’t get a wicket. Because taking 10 wickets is a big deal. After he took 6-7 wickets, I was like, I hope, I don’t get a wicket. He should get all the wickets now.”
Pakistan-India, the nation’s once separated by Borders but Reunited by Cricket, are facing distances again as they haven’t played any bilateral series since 2012-13. However, in between, they played each other in the ICC Events.