In a recent Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), an argument took place between the Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq and India's Virat Kohli at the Ekana Sports City in Lucknow on Monday.
The incident gave birth to a series of events including a heated argument between the former RCB captain and the former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir.
Pakistani legend Shahid Afridi also had his say on this face-off, who once was engaged in an argument with the same Afghan pacer. While having a conversation with a Pakistani media channel, Afridi shared his point of view on the quarrel between Virat and Naveen.
He said that Naveen does not react until someone has provoked him without a major reason.
"I have seen Naveen bowling, he gets beaten at times as well, but I have never seen him trying to get involve in a fight. He only reacts when he is provoked unnecessarily. I do not think if I have ever seen him with this level of aggression," he said.
Afridi also talked about the aggression in certain players and how every team has some players of the same trait.
"Aggression in fast bowlers is very natural. Every team has some players who possesses this trait. We have as well, and it is normal," he said.
It must be noted that Naveen was involved in an altercation with Pakistan's Mohammad Amir in the inaugural edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) in 2020. After the end of the match, Afridi also had exchanged words with Naveen.
Later on, Afridi took this matter to Twitter where he wrote that he advised Naveen to not use abusive language and have respect for his opponents.
“My advice to the young player was simple, play the game and don't indulge in abusive talk. I have friends in the Afghanistan team and we have very cordial relations. Respect for teammates and opponents are the basic spirit of the game," Afridi tweeted.
It must be noted that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took notice of this incident. Kohli and Gambhir were fined 100 percent of their match fees, while Naveen was fined 50 percent.