Indians want to see Pakistan play in India, claims Shahid Afridi

Virat Kohli's masterclass saw India beat Pakistan in ICC T20 WC 2022 [Source: Twitter]

The recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup 2022 witnessed one of the most memorable T20I in the history of the format between India and Pakistan at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. India, led by a brilliant masterclass from Virat Kohli, piped their arch-rivals Pakistan by four wickets in an electrifying encounter.

2022 is a rare year, where fans have witnessed as many as three India-Pakistan T20I games — two in Asia Cup 2022, and one in T20 WC 2022 — which has not been the case over the past decade or so. Due to geopolitical tensions between the two nations, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have failed to find a middle-ground for a bilateral series since 2012-13.

Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi, who is also a fan favourite in India, according to Cricket Pakistan, spoke about Indians wanting to see the Men in Green play on their home grounds. 

"The relations between Pakistan and India have always improved due to cricket. Indians want to see Pakistan play cricket in India.”

However, with the recent statements laid down by PCB chairman Ramiz Raja, an Indo-Pak affair in either of the two nations look improbable, which includes the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, which is hosted by Pakistan. 

Also Read: PCB threatens to pull out of the Asia Cup 2023 if it shifts from Pakistan