NEW DELHI: Shahid Afridi has responded to former Team India batter Shikhar Dhawan’s sharp criticism with a sarcastic offer and a viral hashtag.
“Chhodo jeet-haar ki baatein, aao tumhe chai pilata hoon Shikhar. #FantasticTea (Forget winning or losing, Shikhar, come over for some tea. #FantasticTea),” the ex-Pakistan captain tweeted on Tuesday, stirring fresh controversy across social media.
The comment came after Dhawan slammed Afridi for blaming the Indian Army for the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives.
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Speaking on Pakistani TV, Afridi questioned how such an attack could happen despite India’s heavy military presence in Kashmir, saying, “You have 800,000 soldiers there and still this happens? That means you’re failing.”
Afridi also criticised the Indian media’s coverage, calling it over-the-top and theatrical: “Within an hour, their media turns into Bollywood. It’s laughable.”
These remarks didn’t sit well with Dhawan, who hit back strongly on X (formerly Twitter): “We beat you in Kargil too. How much lower will you fall? Instead of making baseless comments, try working on your own country’s progress. We are proud of our Indian Army. Jai Hind!”
Afridi’s “#FantasticTea” remark may seem casual, but it carries weight.
It references the famous 2019 moment when captured Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman calmly sipped tea while in Pakistani custody and said, “The tea is fantastic.”
That line became symbolic of Indian grit and composure under pressure.
By bringing it up now, Afridi has reignited old tensions and crossed into sensitive territory, as many in India see the phrase as more than just a joke.
