Afridi, Malik praise India fans and security
After all the concerns about security for the Pakistan team in India, senior players Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik have stated they are happy with the protections around the team, and enjoy playing in India.
Pakistan's arrival in India ahead of the World Twenty20 was delayed as the PCB and the Pakistan government felt the players would not be safe, given the political tensions between the countries.
The clash between India and Pakistan was also moved to Kolkata from Dharamsala, after the original venue was deemed not secure enough. But skipper Afridi and batsman Malik say they feel perfectly safe.
Afridi said upon arrival in Kolkata this weekend: "I've not enjoyed playing anywhere as much as I have in India.
"I am in the last stage of my career and I can say that the love I have got in India is something that I will always remember. We have not got this much love even from Pakistan.
"There are cricket-loving people here, much like in Pakistan. Overall, I've enjoyed a lot playing in India in my cricketing career."
Malik, who is married to Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, agreed, and added that security was above par: "Firstly I would like to thank the Indian Government. The security is very good.
"My wife is from India and I come to India a lot. I have never faced any security issue.
"I don't really see any difference between Pakistani people and the Indians. We eat the same food, we speak the same language. I don't really see any difference.
"I am very happy to be in India. I have always got a lot of love from people and from media."
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