Shahid Afridi repeats 'Kashmir' comment after Pakistan loss, fuels speculation about political entry

New Delhi: Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi yet again repeated his Kashmir comment during the post-match interview after his side's 21-run loss to Australia.

I want to thank the people of Kolkata (the venue of a previous World T20 match against India) for supporting us. I thank people who came and supported us from Pakistan and Kashmir. I also want to thank the BCCI for taking good care of us in India," Afridi said drawing a loud applause from the stands.

I want to thank people from Calcutta. I thank people who came and supported us from Pakistan and Kashmir: Shahid Afridi — ANI (@ANI_news) March 25, 2016

BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur on Wednesday had criticised Afridi for saying that "a lot of people from Kashmir" had come to support his team during the World Twenty20 match against New Zealand in Mohali. 

After the 36-year-old repeated his comments, several observers opined that the cricketer could well be contemplating an entry into politics.

As Pakistan crashes out of the World Cup, another comment about Kashmir from Afridi. Is he heading for politics from cricket? — Vikram Chandra (@vikramchandra) March 25, 2016

Afridi definitely considering a career in politics, mentions KASHMIR again, thanks fans from Kashmir, — aditi tyagi (@aditi_tyagi) March 25, 2016

Once again Afridi indulges in politics by mentioning Kashmir. This time it seemed a deliberate assertion. An unacceptable proposition. — BS Bassi (@BhimBassi) March 25, 2016

"To give a statement like that is not politically correct. A player should stay away from all this. That's the reason why he was criticised in Pakistan," Thakur shad said earlier.

With regards to his retirement, Afridi stated that he would consult his near and dear ones, with a decision likely to be announced within the next four-five days.