Amid the uncertainty surrounding India's participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has appealed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reconsider their stance.
Afridi maintained that hosting India would not only bolster cricketing ties but also provide Pakistani fans a rare chance to witness Virat Kohli in action.
"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 said.
Bilateral cricketing relations between the two nations have been dormant since 2013, with occasional meetings like Pakistan's visit to India for the 50-over World Cup last year.
Hopes were high that India would reciprocate by touring Pakistan, possibly playing matches in Lahore. However, reports suggest the BCCI is hesitant and has proposed a hybrid model akin to the recent Asia Cup format.
Kohli, who has played across the globe but never in Pakistan, remains a source of excitement for fans on both sides of the border. The last Indian tour to Pakistan dates back to 2006, long before Kohli's international debut.
At 25, Kohli faces what could be his final opportunity to represent India in Pakistan, having already retired from T20 internationals and focusing on ODIs, Tests, and IPL.
Afridi advocates for Kohli's continued T20I presence
Afridi also opined on Kohli's recent retirement from T20 internationals following India's T20 World Cup triumph. He believes Kohli's decision to step away from T20Is prematurely deprives younger players of his mentorship and leadership on the field.
"He shouldn't have quit T20Is because the format looked beautiful with him in it. Why can't he play? He is fit; he is in form," Afridi commented.
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