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Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has recently asserted that Virat Kohli will receive more love and hospitality in Pakistan than in India if he visits the country for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. Afridi’s bold statement highlights the potential for cricket to bridge the gap between the two nations.
Virat Kohli’s potential first tour to Pakistan
Notably, Kohli has played all around the world but not in Pakistan. The last time India played in Pakistan was in 2006, two years before Kohli’s international debut. Given that the Delhi-born cricketer has retired from T20Is and is in the final stages of his international career, the 2025 Champions Trophy might be his only chance to play in the neighbouring nation.
Hindered bilateral ties and hybrid model proposal
Not to mention that the bilateral cricket ties between India and Pakistan have been on hold since 2013. Pakistan’s team did visit India for the ODI World Cup 2023 and with India’s matches are expected to be played in Lahore in Champions Trophy, fans anticipated the Indian team’s visit. However, media reports suggest that the BCCI is reluctant to send the Indian team to Pakistan, proposing a hybrid model similar to last year’s Asia Cup.
Also READ: Fans react as Shaheen Afridi faces allegations of misconduct with Pakistan white-ball coach Gary Kirsten
Shahid Afridi’s wild claim on Kohli
Afridi emphasized the importance of cricket as a bridge for peace and goodwill between India and Pakistan. He reflected on the warm reception and respect Pakistani players received during their tours to India and vice versa, especially highlighting the 2005-06 tour when Indian players enjoyed their time in Pakistan.
Afridi suggested that such exchanges foster mutual respect and understanding, advocating for cricket as a means to improve bilateral relations. He specifically mentioned Kohli, asserting that if the star cricketer visits Pakistan, he will be overwhelmed by the love and hospitality and forget what he experiences in India.
“I will welcome Team India. Even when Pakistan used to tour, we received a lot of respect and love from India, and when India came in 2005-06, all their players enjoyed. There is no better advent of peace than India and Pakistan going to each other’s country and playing cricket. If Virat Kohli comes to Pakistan, he’ll forget the love and hospitality of India. He has his own class,” Afridi told News 24.
