Infamous Virat Kohli-Gautam Gambhir on-field altercation at the Ekana Stadium late on Monday night was centered on Afghanistan fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq.
Shahidi Afridi’s old tweet from after his altercation with Naveen went viral. While the world of cricket was still talking about the Kohli-Naveen and Kohli-Gambhir incidents.
Gambhir and Kohli got into a heated argument shortly after RCB’s incredible 18-run victory over LSG. But the ugly altercation and uncomfortable atmosphere at the stadium were an extension of the altercation.
While the Kohli-Naveen and Kohli-Gambhir incident during the RCB-LSG game dominated cricket news. Shahidi Afridi’s old tweet from after his altercation with Naveen went viral.
Watch the controversy surrounding Naveen Ul Haq with Shahid Afridi
Shahid Afridi About #NaveenUlHaq pic.twitter.com/DZwqkR8HFN
— Ahtasham Riaz 🇵🇰 (@AhtashamRiaz_) May 2, 2023
Naveen had previously gotten into a brawl over a game of cricket. He got into a verbal fight with Mohammad Amir and then with Afridi. During the inaugural season of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) in 2020.
In that competition, Naveen was a member of the Kandy Tuskers team. He was seen cursing at Amir during the game. Which led to an ugly scene in front of other players including Munaf Patel.
Later, when the players were lining up to shake hands. Afridi spoke to Naveen and the latter responded in kind.
After the match, Afridi tweeted, “My advice to the young player was simple, play the game and don’t indulge in abusive talk. We have very friendly relations. Because I have friends on the Afghanistan team. The fundamental tenet of the game is respect for both teammates and opponents ”.
Later, Naveen responded, saying: “Always willing to accept counsel and show respect; cricket is a gentleman’s game, if someone says that you all are under our feet and will remain there, then he is not only talking about me but also about my people”.
What Naveen said about the incident in an interview with The Cricketer a year later was as follows: “It was in the moment. They were down a player when Amir came out to bat. He swung incredibly hard at my first pitch but missed the ball.
With a smile, I asked him, “How big of a six do you want to hit?” I was making a joke, but he took it seriously. I compete fiercely from the first ball to the last ball, but after the game, I have no love left for anyone. He is an excellent cricketer and player.
