'Taliban Came With Positive Mind, Allowing Women To Work', Says Shahid Afridi

In a controversial remark, retired Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi heaped praise on the Taliban stating that they have “come with a very positive mind.”

The former captain of the Pakistan national cricket team also asserted that the Taliban are fun cricket-loving chaps. “I believe Taliban like cricket a lot,” said Afridi adding that their involvement in the field would help cricket grow.

The statement by Afridi is in stark contrast to the ground realities as several Afghan athletes and politicians, particularly women, have fled the country in fear of repercussions.

Our security forces are not trained [in] how to deal with women or how to speak with women,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid reporedly told reporters at a press conference.