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Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has reignited the debate over India–Pakistan cricket relations, casting doubts on the Board of Control for Cricket in India‘s (BCCI) commitment to the 2025 Champions Trophy. In a recent media interaction, Afridi made several pointed remarks about India’s stance on cricket ties with Pakistan.
Shahid Afridi questions India’s sincerity
Afridi highlighted the historical context of Pakistan cricket’s relationship with India, emphasizing the sacrifices made by the Pakistani team.
“We have gone to India many times. We went there in tough times. Despite getting threats we continued to go on India tours. We got to know about their intentions. We have always supported India,” he said.
The all-rounder implied that Pakistan has consistently shown its willingness to play cricket with India, even in adverse conditions. His statement suggests that the onus lies on India to reciprocate the gesture and create an environment conducive to cricket.
Also READ: Shahid Afridi slams PCB for Pakistan’s cricket crisis
Security concerns or lack of will?
Addressing the ongoing impasse over India touring Pakistan for Chapions Trophy, Afridi questioned the sincerity of the BCCI’s security concerns.
“Even after threats Pakistan Cricket Board and the government took an initiative. If India has the intention to come to Pakistan, they will come. Otherwise, they will make an excuse of security,” the veteran stated.
Afridi’s comments imply that Pakistan has taken significant steps to ensure the safety of the Indian cricket team, and the ball is now in India’s court. He asserts that security can be used as a pretext to avoid playing in Pakistan.
Need for grassroots development
Shifting focus from the contentious issue of India-Pakistan cricket, Afridi also emphasized the importance of grassroots development in Pakistan cricket. He criticized the lack of focus on nurturing young talent.
“You need good teachers for the students to be good. Our focus on the grassroots level is not as much as it should be. We don’t need Gary Kirsten for the Pakistan team, we need guys like him to work at the grassroots. We need them at the Under-16 and Under-19 levels so that the mindset of those children changes from there itself,” Afridi added further.
Afridi’s observations align with the concerns of many Pakistani cricket fans who believe that the country’s cricket infrastructure requires a substantial overhaul. His call for investing in young talent is seen as a step in the right direction for improving the overall standard of Pakistan cricket.
Afridi’s candid remarks have once again brought the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry into the spotlight. While his comments have been met with mixed reactions, they have undoubtedly sparked a much-needed conversation about the future of cricket between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
