Indians were reluctant to play us in T20 World Cup, says Afridi

The Indian team under Mahendra Singh Dhoni was reluctant to play against Pakistan in the Twenty20 World Cup and it showed in their attitude, alleged flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi.

Even though the arch-rivals did not meet in the main tournament, they featured in a sold-out warm up match and Afridi alleged Dhoni and his men did not look keen to play Pakistan even though they claimed so.

"I was a bit disappointed. It didn't appear to me by the attitude of the Indian players that they want to play against us," Afridi told 'Geo TV' after arriving home this morning.

"On the face, they said they would like to see cricket between the two countries but I think in their hearts they thought otherwise. Their attitude and behaviour while playing against us showed this," Afridi said.

Pakistan and India have stopped bilateral cricket ties since the Mumbai terror attacks last November with the Indians canceling a scheduled Test tour earlier this year.

Afridi said he still believed that cricket could heal relations between the two nations and bring people together.

"I always say use sports to foster good relations and clear misunderstandings," said Afridi who starred in the tournament both with the bat and ball.

He said Pakistan had proved critics wrong by winning the World Cup when everyone had tipped India and South Africa as favourites.

"I think our performance is a lesson for other teams. We are world champions and I hope teams will now come to Pakistan."