Amid reports of India’s decision to skip the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan, former captain Shahid Afridi believes that Virat Kohli might overlook the adulation he receives in India if he visits Pakistan. Afridi emphasized Kohli's immense popularity among Pakistani fans and urged the Indian team to set aside political tensions and participate in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
“I welcome the Indian team to Pakistan, and they should come. We have always been warmly welcomed during our tours to India, just as the Indian team was respected and appreciated during their 2005 tour. Cricket should transcend politics. There is nothing bigger than India and Pakistan playing against each other in their respective countries,” Afridi told News24 Sports’ YouTube channel.
“Virat Kohli might forget the love he receives in India once he experiences playing in Pakistan. He has a massive fan following here, and our people admire him greatly. He's actually my favorite player. He brings his own unique flair, and his retirement from T20Is left a void because he made the format so captivating,” Afridi added.
When asked about the next potential star in Indian cricket, akin to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Kohli, Afridi named Shubman Gill as having the potential to achieve similar success in international cricket.
Afridi also praised the Indian cricket structure, particularly the Indian Premier League (IPL), for nurturing numerous domestic talents and building a strong bench for the Indian national team.
“The IPL has created a vast pool of talent for India; they could easily form two teams,” he remarked.
Commenting on the administrative challenges in Pakistan cricket, Afridi stressed the need for longer tenures for Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairpersons to provide stability, enabling captains to lead effectively.
“The chairman should serve at least three years so that the Pakistan captain can have a stable tenure of 2-3 years. Stability in leadership is crucial; if we prioritize meritocracy, results will naturally follow. If the right person is in the right position, success will come automatically,” he concluded.
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