Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has hit back at those who trolled him for supporting Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi and his foundation to help people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yuvraj, who faced backlash for showing support to Afridi’s cause, tweeted on Wednesday that his gesture was “blown out of proportion”.
“I really don’t understand how a msg to help the most vulnerable gets blown out of proportion! All I tried to achieve via that message was to help ppl in our respective countries by providing healthcare, my intention was not to hurt anyone’s feelings. I am an Indian and I will always bleed blue and will always stand for humanity. jai hind,” he tweeted.
Yuvraj had earlier tweeted that he would support the foundation set up by Afridi in the wake of the coronavirus crisis to help the less fortunate. However, his gesture was met with heavy criticism from followers who trolled him for supporting Pakistan.
“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 http://donatekarona.com #StayHome,” Yuvraj said in a tweet tagging Harbhajan Singh.
Harbhajan, too, was at the receiving end of wrathful fans for extending his support to Afridi’s foundation via a tweet two days prior to Yuvraj’s tweet.
Many showed their displeasure on social media and #ShameOnYuviBhajji was trending on Twitter earlier this week. However, several users also showed solidarity and tweeted in support of the cricketers. #IStandWithYuvi was also seen trending on Twitter.
Afridi thanked both Yuvraj and Harbhajan on Tuesday for their support.
“Thank you for all you support-both yourself & my brother @harbhajan_singh are huge pillars of support; this bond we have shows love & peace transgresses borders when it comes to humanity especially. Best wishes to you with your noble endeavours with @YOUWECAN #DonateKaroNa,” the former Pakistan all-rounder had tweeted.