Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has lauded Indian star Virat Kohli’s openness to visiting Pakistan. During a recent event in Karachi, Afridi acknowledged that Kohli’s want to visiting wasn’t a surprise, and extended a warm welcome.
“I expected such a statement from Virat,” Afridi remarked, at a tape ball event on Saturday (May 19). “I welcome Virat, whether he comes to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) or or with the Indian team.“
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When did Virat Kohli let out his desire to visit Pakistan?
This news follows a video call in 2022 between Kohli and Pakistani mountaineer Shehroze Kashif. The conversation revealed Kohli’s long-held wish to experience Pakistan firsthand. “Everyone’s started visiting now,” Kohli said in the video, expressing his hope to join the trend soon.
According to Kashif’s caption, he met a friendly Indian stranger in Nepal who, upon hearing about his achievements, jokingly offered to connect him with Kohli. Remarkably, the stranger followed through, leading to a video call between the mountaineer and the cricketer.
The video showcased Kohli’s warm personality as he expressed his admiration for Kashif’s work and sent regards to his loved ones. Kohli mentioned his hope to visit Pakistan soon, reflecting the growing trend of travel between the two nations.
Due to the political instability between the two countries, India and Pakistan doesn’t play bilaterals on each other’s soil since 2012-13. The question now remains whether India will travel to Pakistan, where the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to take place.