Former Pakistan cricket captain, Shahid Afridi, has extended a heartfelt invitation to the Indian cricket team for the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. His appeal transcends political boundaries, emphasizing the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
Shahid Afridi invites Team India to Champions Trophy
Afridi acknowledges that Pakistanis adore Virat Kohli. The Indian cricket superstar has a massive fan following across the border, and his presence would undoubtedly be celebrated.
“I welcome the Indian team. They should come to India. Whenever I have toured India with the Pakistan team, I have received a lot of respect and love. Likewise, when India came here in 2005, they received a lot of respect and love. They enjoyed their time and hospitality here. I think the relationship between cricketers and the cricket tours should be kept away from politics,” Shahid Afridi said.
“Sports should be kept away from politics. Indians coming to Pakistan, Pakistanis going to India, what can be more beautiful than that,” he added.
India and Pakistan have not engaged in bilateral cricket since the 2012-13 season. The last bilateral series between the two nations occurred during the 2005-06 season. Despite the geopolitical tensions, Afridi advocates for cricketing exchanges as a means of fostering goodwill.
While Pakistan holds the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy, the tournament is likely to adopt a hybrid format. India may play their matches at a neutral venue, possibly in the UAE or Sri Lanka.
Afridi predicts that if Virat Kohli visits Pakistan, he will be mesmerized by the love and adulation of Pakistani cricket fans. The superstar cricketer’s impact transcends borders, and his presence would be a momentous occasion.
“If Virat Kohli comes to Pakistan, he will forget the love and hospitality of India. He has his own class. There is a lot of craze in Pakistan. People like him a lot in Pakistan. He is my favourite player,” he added.
Shahid Afridi said, "if Virat Kohli comes to Pakistan, he'll forget the hospitality of India. Virat has lots of fans in Pakistan, we're eager to see Virat play in Pakistan". (News24 Sports). pic.twitter.com/InokFdKmRY
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