Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has thrown his weight behind calls for India to tour Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, insisting that a visit by the Indian team, especially Virat Kohli, would be a significant step towards fostering peace between the two nations.
India vs Pakistan to happen?
The prospect of India playing in Pakistan has been a contentious issue for years, with political tensions often overshadowing the cricketing rivalry. While the two teams have faced each other in ICC tournaments, bilateral series have been infrequent due to security concerns.
Shahid Afridi, however, believes that cricket can play a crucial role in bridging the divide. He fondly recalled the hospitality extended to Pakistan teams during their visits to India and expressed confidence that Indian players would receive a similarly warm welcome.
“I will welcome Team India. Even when Pakistan used to tour, we received a lot of respect and love from India, and when India came in 2005-06, all their players enjoyed. There is no better advent of peace than India and Pakistan going to each other’s country and playing cricket. If Virat Kohli comes to Pakistan, he’ll forget the love and hospitality of India. He has his own class,” Afridi told News24.
“Cricket has the power to unite people, and nothing would be more pleasing than seeing India and Pakistan play in each other’s countries. Kohli is a global icon, and his presence in Pakistan would be a dream come true for millions of fans.”
Shahid Afridi surprised with Virat Kohli
The former all-rounder also expressed his disappointment with Virat Kohli‘s retirement from T20Is, believing the veteran batsman could have continued to mentor young players in the format.
“Kohli’s decision to retire from T20Is was surprising,” Afridi added. “His experience and leadership would have been invaluable for the Indian team, especially in grooming the next generation of players.”
With the 2025 Champions Trophy looming, the debate over India’s participation is set to intensify. Afridi’s comments are likely to reignite discussions on the potential benefits of bilateral cricket between the two arch-rivals.
Virat Kohli last chance?
The possibility of Virat Kohli playing in Pakistan has captured the imagination of fans worldwide. Given his advancing years and the uncertain future of India-Pakistan cricket relations, the 2025 Champions Trophy could represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the star batsman to grace Pakistani soil.
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