'Dirty politics': Shahid Afridi denies making any statement on ex-Pak PM Imran Khan's arrest

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi on Sunday issued a statement in which he categorically denied saying anything about ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan and the supposed quote that is going viral on social media is fake.

Afridi jokingly made some comments about former teammate Shoaib Akhtar's injury which people mistook as remarks against Imran Khan.

Khan, Pakistan's 1992 World Cup-winning captain, is facing arrest in Islamabad in the Toshakhana case, the hearing on which will take place on March 30.

'Not a part of dirty politics'

"I am seeing since yesterday on social media that a statement from my side on Imran Khan is going viral. This is very disappointing, whoever is doing this is... it is just dirty politics.

"I don't want to get into this politics nor do am I a part of it. If I had to say something I would have said it myself.

"You can check my social media accounts or any other place where I have spoken anything about Imran Khan. Please don't make me a part of this dirty politics.

"I only believe in the people of Pakistan and want to work towards serving them. Thank you," Afridi said in a video message.

Controversies surrounding Imran Khan

Lahore police raided Khan's house on Saturday when he was on his way to the court in Islamabad. Police and supporters of Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), have been engaged in violent clashes over the last few days and over 50 people have been arrested so far.

Imran Khan, in office from 2018 to 2022, is facing a spate of legal challenges, including one that prompted a failed attempt to arrest him on Tuesday, sparking clashes between supporters and police, which also took place on Saturday.

Khan has led nationwide protests since his ouster from power last year and has had a spate of cases registered against him.