Shahid Afridi wants to play against India
After reports of possible India, Pakistan series in England and Sri Lanka came out, Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi has spoken in favour of such matches. The allrounder believes politics should not affect cricket relations.
Pakistan’s Twenty20 skipper said, “I think cricket should go on between Pakistan and India because it creates good contacts. Wherever or whenever, cricket should go on. It should be separate from politics, both teams should always be ready.” Chiefs of both the nation’s cricket boards had met on Sunday in UAE and as per reports, have given their assent to Indo-Pak series. However, the governments are yet to give a nod and an official announcement is awaited.
Afridi feels that people of both these countries want to watch the game. “Cricket should go on, it develops good relations and public from both sides want to watch the game. It will be a matter of great happiness if India comes to Pakistan in this difficult time, support Pakistan and play there,” said the 35-year-old who has toured India in 1997, 1999, 2005, 2007 and 2011.
India and Pakistan’s cricket ties were hindered following the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, for which extremists based in Pakistan were blamed. Later, both the boards signed an agreement in 2014, deciding to play six series between 2015- 2023. The first one was scheduled for December-January. However, the series which was supposed to have two Tests, five one-day and two Twenty20 was facing problems since the beginning of 2015 due to tension between the two countries.
Except a short limited overs series against Zimbabwe this year, Pakistan have not hosted any international cricket match since 2009. It was a result of terrorist attacks on a Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March 2009. Since then, Pakistan have played matches at a neutral venue in UAE.
Afridi drew comparison to Pakistan’s tour of India in 1999 when they were threatened by extremists and a pitch in New Delhi was dug up. He said, “We have gone to India under worse situations. It depends on who takes that pressure but we never felt any pressure going there and playing in India because we get a lot of love and affection there and they want us to play.”
Pakistan’s T-20 vice captain also said that if their government and cricket board allow, they will participate in next year's World Twenty20 which India will host. He added, “When the board gives us security, the government gives us security then we can go for the World Twenty20.”