Good news for PAK-IND fans! Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi has invited India’s cricket team to visit Pakistan. He advised them to compete in the Champions Trophy 2025.
The legendary batsman stated that Indian cricketers experienced true Pakistani hospitality last time. And that the eight-team ODI competition, which will take place in February-March, will be no exception. Shahid Afridi especially welcomed Virat Kohli to Pakistan. He claimed that the country’s cricket fans adore the Indian superstar.
Shahid Afridi’s Views on India-Pakistan Cricket
Shahid Afridi requested Team India to visit Pakistan next year. Shahid Afridi thinks that Virat Kohli would be the focus of attention if Team India visits Pakistan in early 2025.
Afridi’s comments came a day after India Today reported sources as claiming Team India is unlikely to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy in 2025.
“I welcome the Indian team. They should visit India. When I went to India with the Pakistan squad, I received a lot of respect and affection. Similarly, when India arrived in 2005, they were greeted with great respect and affection. They appreciated their stay and the friendliness here.” Shahid Afridi told News24 Sports.
“I believe sports should be maintained separate from politics. What could be more beautiful than Indians visiting Pakistan and Pakistanis visiting India?” he continued.
Unfortunately, India and Pakistan, both act like rivals. They have not played bilateral cricket since the 2012-13 season. Just due to their cross-border tensions. India has not visited Pakistan for a bilateral series since the 2005-06 season.
The Champions Trophy 2025 will be hosted by Pakistan. It is expected to be contested in a hybrid format, with India playing their matches at a neutral location. Most likely in the UAE or Sri Lanka.
Afridi’s Praise for Virat Kohli
Shahid Afridi went on to compliment his ‘favorite’ player, Virat Kohli. He predicted that the superstar cricketer would receive more affection from Pakistan cricket fans than accolades from home.
“If Virat Kohli visits Pakistan, he will forget the kindness and hospitality of India. He has his own classroom. There is a lot of enthusiasm in Pakistan. He is well-liked in Pakistan. “He is my favorite player,” Shahid Afridi said.
Notably, Pakistan held the Asia Cup last year under a hybrid contemporary format after the Indian authorities denied the cricket team permission to visit the neighboring nation. India played their matches in Sri Lanka and won the title.
Pakistan is eager to host the full Champions Trophy at home. Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB‘s new chairman, told the board’s Body of Governors last month that he will bring up the issue at the ICC Board meeting in Colombo in July.
Kohli Can Continue Playing T20Is
The former Pakistan captain feels Kohli should have played more T20Is for India. As we know, after India won the T20 World Cup by defeating South Africa in the final on June 29, Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their retirement from T20Is.
This news left India’s top two highest run-getters in the format. But Afridi believes the incoming youngsters would have benefited greatly from having Kohli around.
“He should not have left T20Is because the format looked great with him in it. Why can’t he play? He is fit and in shape. More than anything else, having him around would have increased the new guys’ chances of success significantly.
You can’t get all the kids together; you need a mix of seniors and juniors. “I don’t think anyone can teach them what Virat can,” Afridi stated.
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