Thaindian News

Chandigarh, April 6 (IANS) Cracking a joke over Pakistani cricket captain Shahid Afridi’s comments on Indians not being as large hearted as their neighbours, Yuvraj Singh Wednesday said the Pakistanis showed their big hearts by dropping catches in the field.

“They (Pakistan cricket team) showed how big their hearts are by dropping so many catches in their match against India at PCA (Punjab Cricket Association stadium in Mohali),” Yuvraj said in a lighter vein.

Pakistan showed a patchy form in fielding in the crucial World Cup semifinal against India March 30. They dropped at least four catches of master-blaster Sachin Tendulkar alone.

Afridi had said that Indians are not as large hearted as Pakistanis or Muslims and it is very difficult to improve the relations between the two countries. But later, Afridi said that he was misquoted by the media.

The dashing all-rounder, Yuvraj Singh was earlier accorded a grand welcome on his arrival here Wednesday evening.

Hordes of fans and friends welcomed Yuvraj, who won Man of the Tournament, with loud beating of drums and bursting crackers at the domestic airport here.

“I am very happy that India won the World Cup as it was our dream. Now I am all ready for the upcoming IPL (Indian Premier League),” said Yuvraj, talking to reporters at the airport.

From the airport, he went to his residence in Manimajra town in a silver-coloured Audi car. Dozens of cricket fans, including many girls, and relatives gathered outside his house to welcome him in true Punjabi style.

His mother Shabnam Singh marked tilak on Yuvraj’s forehead and performed a religious ceremony outside the home. Yuvraj also went to his fans and gave autographs and got photographs clicked with them.

Yuvraj would later seek the blessings of his guru Sant Ajit Singh Hansaliwala at Hansali village in Fatehgarh Sahib town.