Shahid Afridi blames Indian Army for Pahalgam terror attack, receives stern warning from Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan and Shahid Afridi had a social media clash over latter's criticism of the Indian Army regarding the Pahalgam terror attack.

Shahid Afridi blames Indian Army for Pahalgam terror attack, receives stern warning from Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan blasted out at ex-Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi for his remarks on the Pahalgam terror attack. (Image via X)

Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan engaged in a social media feud with ex-Pakistani skipper Shahid Afridi, over the latter’s comments on the Pahalgam terror attack. Dhawan warned Afridi about speaking ill about the Indian Army, after he blamed them for not thwarting the attack. 

The unfortunate terror attack, which took place a week ago, in Baisaran, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed 26 innocent lives. A Pakistan-based terrorist outfit claimed responsibility for the ghastly attack.

The incident quickly sparked outrage in India, with many blaming the Pakistan for harboring terrorists. India, in retaliation, took some major steps, including the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty. 

With Pakistan being blamed for its role in the attack, it did spark a social media feud between two former cricketers, Shikhar Dhawan and Shahid Afridi. The former all-rounder, in a Pakistani television debate, stirred controversy by asserting that India habitually blames Pakistan, despite having no evidence of its involvement in any of the terror attacks that has occurred in the country over the years.

Afridi even labeled the Indian Army as ‘useless’, while claiming that they were not able to provide security in Pahalgam, despite its huge presence in Jammu and Kashmir. Moreover, the 48-year-old also criticized the Indian media’s coverage of the attack. Without taking any names, Shahid Afridi lashed out at many former Indian cricketers, who blamed Pakistan for its involvement in the Pahalgam attack, in unison.

Afridi’s comments did not sit well with many, including Shikhar Dhawan, who sent a hard-hitting response to the former Pakistani skipper, by warning him against making irrational comments. Responding to his Pakistani counterpart, the ex-Indian opener, who had last scored a match-winning century in an Asia Cup encounter against the Men in Green, took to social media to express his views.

While referencing Pakistan’s defeat to India at Kargil in 1999, Dhawan stated that Afridi had stooped too low, following his recent comments. He schooled the 48-year-old by urging him to rather pay attention to Pakistan’s progress, while confidently highlighting his faith in the Indian Army. Not just Dhawan, but former Pakistani cricketer, Danish Kaneria, was left irked at Afridi’s statements.

Kaneria noted Afridi’s comments on the Pahalgam terror attack as ‘insensitive’, while urging India’s news channels to not invite the former player to speak on such issues. He went on to claim that Afridi had aligned his views to those similar to extremists, and reiterated that the all-rounder discriminated against him on the basis of religion during their playing days. 

Shikhar Dhawan teases Ambati Rayudu for losing 2004 u-19 World Cup semi-final against Pakistan

Former Indian cricketer-turned commentator Shikhar Dhawan, who retired from playing in August 2024, took a playful jibe at Ambati Rayudu, while speaking during a 2025 IPL encounter. Dhawan blamed Rayudu for losing the under-19 World Cup semi-final, against Pakistan. 

Shikhar Dhawan on Ambati Rayudu
Shikhar Dhawan took a playful dig at Ambati Rayudu, while blaming him for India’s 2004 u-19 WC semi-final defeat to Pakistan. (via X)

The pair, who were teammates in the India under-19 squad, at the 2004 U-19 World Cup in Bangladesh. Rayudu was the captain of the side that featured the likes of Dinesh Karthik, Suresh Raina, Robin Uthappa and others. Dhawan most recently revealed the hilarious story behind India’s 2004 semi-final exit, against Pakistan.

Dhawan roasted Rayudu by noting that the latter was a big name then, but was hilariously banned, which ultimately led to India’s semi-final defeat. The former SRH star’s cheeky comment left fellow panelist Aakash Chopra laughing, while Rayudu was spotted slapping his head.

Ambati Rayudu was a big name in U-19 cricket. He was our captain in U19 World Cup and he got banned there also ahead of the semi-final, and we lost.

Shikhar Dhawan said on Ambati Rayudu (H/T: Hindustan Times)

Ambati Rayudu was banned for the game for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct, due to his misdemeanor and time wasting. Moreover, Dhawan’s latest joke was also perceived as a dig at Rayudu’s infamous 2007 BCCI ban for participating in the splinter Indian Cricket League (ICL).