📷 Image Credits: The Times of India
Former Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi has extended an invitation to the Indian cricket team to set aside political tensions and take part in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Afridi emphasized the importance of cricket tours being separate from politics and highlighted the mutual respect and admiration exchanged between the two countries during past tours. He expressed confidence that Virat Kohli, an immensely popular figure in Pakistan, would be warmly welcomed by the fans and that the experience would be unforgettable for him. Afridi praised Kohli’s cricketing prowess and expressed regret over his decision to retire from T20Is, citing the positive impact Kohli could have had on the younger generation of players. Additionally, he commended the Indian Premier League (IPL) for nurturing domestic talent and creating a strong player pool for the Indian team. Afridi also addressed the need for consistency in Pakistan cricket administration, advocating for longer tenures for PCB Chairmen to provide stability to the team. Overall, Afridi’s message underscores the significance of sports in fostering goodwill and strengthening ties between nations, transcending political boundaries.