Thakur blasts under-fire Afridi over 'Kashmir' support comments

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Anurag Thakur on Wednesday lashed out at Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi over his statement that a lot of people from Kashmir came to support his team during their 22-run defeat against New Zealand in their World T20 clash at Punjab Cricket Stadium in Mohali.

The all-rounder has been under scrutiny following Pakistan's repeated poor display, with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan having already declared that the board would sack Afridi after the conclusion of World T20.

Referring to Afridi's previous remark of getting more love from India than their own country and Pakistan reaction on the issue, Thakur said, "He was not correct politically and a player should keep himself away from these political debates. That is the reason why he was criticized by Pakistan."

Amidst the strong concerns over Delhi hosting the World T20 semi-final, the 41-year-old confirmed that the venue of the game would remain the same.

Thakur also expressed his views on India's third group-match World T20 clash against Bangladesh at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

"Team India are playing well and they will perform good today as well. It is crucial for us to win every upcoming match in the Wolrd T20. Every Indian citizen want to see Dhoni's side winning today's match in order to boost their chances of sealing a semi-final berth," Thakur told ANI here.

Earlier, India have suffered a humiliating 47-run defeat at the hands of New Zealand in their campaign opener before a thrilling six-wicket win over Shahid Afridi's side in their second group-stage match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday.

The Men in Blue are currently fourth in the in Group B point table, with New Zealand at first, Pakistan at second spot and Australia at third.