Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and fast bowler Mohammed Shami on Wednesday lashed out at Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan for issuing “despicable threats” and speaking about “hatred” during his speech at the UNGA last month.

Notably, speaking at the UNGA on 27 September, the Pakistan Prime Minister had held out threats of a conventional war between the two nuclear-armed neighbours spinning out of control. He also spoke about the radicalisation of Muslims in India and around the world.

“If a conventional war starts between the two countries, anything could happen. A country seven times smaller than its neighbour what will it do — either surrender or fight for its freedom,” he had said.

Keeping the speech in mind, Harbhajan tweeted: “At UNGA speech, there were indications for India of potential nuclear war. As a prominent sportsperson, Imran Khan’s choice of words ‘bloodbath’ ‘fight to the end’ will only increase hatred between the two nations. As a fellow sportsperson, I expect him to promote peace.”

At UNGA speech, there were indications for India of potential nuclear war. As a prominent sportsperson, Imran Khan’s choice of words ‘bloodbath’ ‘fight to the end’ will only increase hatred between the two nations. As a fellow sportsperson I expect him to promote ✌️ peace

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 2, 2019

Meanwhile, Shami tweeted, “Mahatma Gandhi spent his life spreading the message of love, harmony, and peace. Imran Khan from UN podium issued despicable threats and spoke of hatred. Pakistan needs a leader who talks development, jobs and economic growth, not war and harbouring terrorism.”

Mahatma Gandhi spent his life spreading the message of love, harmony and peace. @ImranKhanPTI from UN podium issued despicable threats and spoke of hatred. Pakistan needs a leader who talks development, jobs & economic growth, not war & harbouring terrorism #india

— Mohammad Shami (@MdShami11) October 2, 2019

Relation between the two countries is degrading further since the Indian government abrogated provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution which provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

(With inputs from IANS)