File photo of Shahid Afridi.© YouTube
India captain Rohit Sharma recently claimed that the resumption of bilateral ties with Pakistan will be a huge boost for Test cricket. Now, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has responded to Rohit's comments. For the unversed, India has not played Pakistan in a bilateral series for over a decade due to the political differences between the two countries. During a discussion on the Club Prairie Fire podcast, former England captain Michael Vaughan had questioned Rohit and said, “Don't you think India playing Pakistan regularly will be great for Test cricket?”.
Replying to the question, Rohit said, “I am absolutely convinced that they are a good team, excellent bowling line-up, a good match, when we play abroad. The last Test was played way back in 2007-2008. Yes , I would love to (play against Pakistan), it would be a great match between two sides. We are playing them in ICC trophies, pure cricket I watch, great match, so why not Rohit had said.
Afridi has now praised Rohit for his “positive statement” and said sports can help resolve the differences between India and Pakistan.
“Bilkul bahut acha jawab hai, hona bhi yahi chahiye (very good answer, the series should happen). A positive statement from an Indian captain. He is also ambassador of India. We have always said that the relationship between Pakistan and India. ….sports – especially cricket – has played an important role in this. We used to go to India and play cricket there. These things build a relationship….padosi hai padosiyo ka haq hota relationship jitna behtar ho utna acha hai ( it is the right of the neighbors to have a good relationship),” Afridi said on Samaa TV.
India and Pakistan last played each other in the ODI World Cup in India last year, with the hosts winning the match by seven wickets.
Both teams will meet again later this year in the T20 World Cup. India and Pakistan will meet in New York on June 9.
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