Intikhab Alam, former Test cricketer and manager of the Pakistan team at the recent World Cup, yesterday rebutted skipper Shahid Afridi's statement that Indians did not have big and clean hearts like his compatriots
Intikhab Alam, former Test cricketer and manager of the Pakistan team at the recent World Cup, yesterday rebutted skipper Shahid Afridi's statement that Indians did not have "big and clean hearts" like his compatriots.
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| Pakistan manager Intikhab Alam |
"I don't know what made him think so, but honestly speaking, we were greeted with open arms in India and I fully enjoyed the hospitality," Alam said.
"All were very helpful and co-operative. The Indians had no ill feelings towards us. Owing to security reasons, we had to stay in hotels most of the time but there also, the staff and people whom we met were very nice to us.
"We have made several friends in India and will continue to retain our friendship with them," Alam further added.
Appearing on a Pakistani television show on Sunday, Afridi had said, "If I have to tell the truth, Indians cannot have the kind of hearts that Pakistani Muslims have. They cannot have the big and clean hearts that Allah has given to Pakistanis."
The comments shocked fans in India.
Intikhab should know better as he coached the Punjab state team between 2004 and 2006. "I was there with the team for two years and found Indians very helpful," Intikhab said.
"My wife (Mahedarashane) was in England at the time when I was coaching Punjab but had made several trips to India. During the recent World Cup semi-final (against India in Mohali), she enjoyed shopping with India's women police, with whom she became very close."
