Yuvraj and Harbhajan face Indian backlash over Shahid Afridi charity tweet

Indian cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh have unleashed a social media storm by backing former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi's foundation in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Afridi's appeal for donations to help people affected by the deadly virus in Pakistan has had overwhelming support from leading cricketers.
Harbhajan urged people to contribute in a video message, and called on other cricketers in the two countries to make similar appeals.

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Taking to Twitter, Yuvraj had written: "These are testing times, it's time to lookout for each other specially the ones who are lesser fortunate. Lets do our bit, I am supporting @SAfridiOfficial & @SAFoundationN in this noble initiative of covid19. Pls donate on donatekarona.com #StayHome @harbhajan_singh."

While Afridi thanked the two, Indian Twitter users reacted with fury at the support for a rival player who has been a vocal critic of India's handling of the Kashmir dispute.

"Do you have any sense?" wrote one Twitter user. "Lost respect" for Harbhajan Singh, added another. "Sorry guys you lost it."

Harbhajan Singh had earlier praised Afridi for the valuable social work he was doing in these trying circumstances. Afridi donated disinfectant soap, material and food to the needy.

On Wednesday, a hashtag #ShameonYuviBhajji was trending with users lashing out at the duo for helping Afridi. At the same time, there was also support for the former Indian all-rounder with #IStandWithYuvi hashtag doing the rounds.

"Yes humanity first. Supporting a guy who talks shit about India and Indian army. But tf care #humanityfirst support terrorist they are also humans good or bad doesn't matter #ShameOnYuviBhajji," tweeted a user.

Another wrote: "In the times when exports have been banned, when resources are not enough for our own country people like @YUVSTRONG12 & @harbhajan_singh are asking us to donate to @SAfridiOfficial? Guess its time to cancel their names out of 'People who inspire List'."

"Shame on you Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh, people of India gave you Name, Fame & all, and you are requesting People to Donate for Pakistan, why not for INDIA???" said another user.

There was support as well as many felt it was blown out of proportion.

"He just made an appeal to donate, it's your wish to donate or not.. Shahid afridi also donated some money to YouweCan foundation to fight against cancer & his signed jersey Thumbs up Humanity first Thumbs up #IStandWithYUVI #WearewithyouYUVI," wrote a user.

"So Yuvi is Anti-National. So His Dedication & fight was fake,His Tears after winning the WC was fake,His Comeback in Blue jersey was fack,His foundation for poor & Cancer people of India is a fake service...At last the World is in Danger," said a user, referring to Yuvraj braving cancer symptoms to help India win their second World Cup in 2011. Yuvraj later fought the deadly diseased to come back and play cricket.

"People cannot even donate a single rupee & yet talking about Yuvraj Singh who established Non-profitable organisation YOUWECAN

#IStandWithYUVI #IStandWithYuvi #YuvrajSingh #westandwithyuvi," said another user.

"He put his life in risk to win world Cup 2011 for indiaTrophy. He is running ywc foundation for cancer patients. He contribute his best for Indian cricketFlag of India. But few nibbas& nibbis trolling him as Anti-Nationalist. Finally they proved themselves as fools on April 1stSmirking face

#IStandWithYuvi." wrote another user.

Agencies