Former Team India cricketer Gautam Gambhir has expressed his thoughts on the news of ex-Pakistani allrounder Shahid Afridi being tested positive with the novel coronavirus.
Gambhir, while speaking at an event, said that even though he and Afridi have their political differences but still hopes that the former allrounder recovers for this soon.
"Nobody should be infected with this virus. I have political differences with Shahid Afridi but I want him to recover as soon as possible. But more than Afridi I want every person infected in my country to get well as soon as possible,” he said while speaking at Salaam Cricket 2020.
It was earlier on Saturday (June 13) when Afridi took to social media to announce that he has been tested COVID-19 positive and asked all his followers to pray for him.
"I’ve been feeling unwell since Thursday; my body had been aching badly. I’ve been tested and unfortunately I’m covid positive. Need prayers for a speedy recovery, InshaAllah"
Back in May, Afridi had bought Bangladesh's Mushfiqur Rahim bat at an auction in a bid to raise funds to help fight the battle against the COVID-19.
"Mushfiqur Rahim has found a buyer! Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has joined the good cause, picking up the bat on behalf of his charity foundation," the ICC tweeted.
Afridi then too took to Twitter to confirm the news and said he hoped that this small gesture will help to build bigger bridges.
"Cricket is to bind. In the divisive world of today, we must look forward to better tomorrow; its always upto us to take 1st step. @SAFoundationN believes human suffering & empathy is beyond borders.Hope this small token will help building bigger bridges.#DonateKaroNa #HopeNotOut," Afridi wrote.
The coronavirus outbreak brought most sports activities to a halt with players practising social distancing and self-isolation during the pandemic.
