Indian cricket star Virat Kohli‘s recent expression of his desire to visit Pakistan has sparked a wave of positive sentiment across the border. A video of Kohli’s conversation with a Pakistani mountaineer went viral on social media, showcasing his warm reception in Pakistan.
Team India is coming to Pakistan guys
"Hopefully we 🇮🇳 will visit Pakistan soon as everyone started visiting now": Virat Kohli audio while talking to Pakistani Mountaineer Shehroz Kashif pic.twitter.com/FSeVJTR3wq
— ٰImran Siddique (@imransiddique89) May 17, 2024
Also READ: ‘Not Rohit, not Virat…’: Jadeja’s like on social-media posts in support of Dhoni sparks controversy
Shahid Afridi invites Virat Kohli to Pakistan
Former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi echoed the enthusiasm, praising Kohli for his stance and its potential to foster better relations between the two cricket-mad nations. Afridi, a long-time advocate for the resumption of bilateral series between India and Pakistan, extended a personal invitation to Kohli to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) or come with the Indian national team in Pakistan.
“Virat Kohli’s statement showed that such cricketers are the ambassadors of their country. I had expected the same kind of statement from Virat Kohli. Thank you so much, Virat. We are waiting for you to come to Pakistan and play in PSL or with the Indian team. It would be good if you came with the Indian team,” Afridi said at a public event in Karachi. ”
Shahid Afridi said "Virat Kohli's statement about coming to Pakistan is heartwarming. I thank him, and welcome him to come and play in the PSL and also in the Champions Trophy with Team India" 🇮🇳🇵🇰❤️❤️❤️#RCBvsCSK #IPL2024 @SAfridiOfficial @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/APHHIejz7y
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) May 19, 2024
Strained political relations and security concerns have limited cricket matches between India and Pakistan for several years. The two teams currently only meet during major ICC tournaments. Afridi’s continued push for a return to bilateral series reflects the desire within Pakistan to rekindle this historic cricketing rivalry.
India vs Pakistan match in T20 World Cup 2024
The upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to be held across the USA and the West Indies, will see India and Pakistan clash once again. Their highly anticipated group stage encounter in New York on June 9 promises to be a highlight of the tournament. With Kohli’s comments sparking hope for improved relations, this match could hold even greater significance.
