Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi has joined several icons of the gentlemen’s game by batting for the resumption of the India-Pakistan bilateral series on the international circuit. Afridi, who spearheaded the Green Army in several memorable clashes against India, feels that the relations between arch-rivals India and Pakistan can improve because of the gentlemen’s game.
Due to political tensions, both former World Champions only face each other in ICC events and continental tournaments like the Asia Cup. The former Pakistan skipper stressed that cricket between India and Pakistan is important. The 2009 T20I World Cup winner with the Green Army reiterated his remark that ace cricketers representing the Indian contingent enjoy travelling to Pakistan for away tours.
“Cricket between Pakistan and India is very important. Sports should be kept away from politics. Relations between the two countries can improve because of cricket,” Afridi was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.
“I have said this before as well, Indian cricketers enjoy coming to Pakistan. You can improve relationships through sports but if you don’t want to improve them then they will remain the same way,” the former Pakistani all-rounder added.
Afridi’s remarks have come after a Pakistani Urdu newspaper suggested that a bilateral series between India and Pakistan might be on the cards this year. According to the report, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had been reportedly asked to ‘be ready’ for a bilateral series between the two arch-rivals this year.
