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Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has made a massive claim as they hope to host the 2025 Champions Trophy with all the teams participating. The 47-year-old observed that people in Pakistan like Virat Kohli a lot and are eager to see him playing in the nation.
India haven't played in Pakistan since 2008 and are unlikely to tour the nation anytime soon due to the uncertain political situation. Pakistan were also the hosts of the Asia Cup last year, but the BCCI wanted a hybrid model. Hence, the Indian team played their matches in Sri Lanka and a similar situation is likely to be for the Champions Trophy.
Speaking to News 24's YouTube channel, Afridi said he feels politics is no way bigger than an India-Pakistan battle on the field and that Kohli's fan base is enormous in their country.
"I welcome the Indian team (in Pakistan) and they should come. We've always received huge respect and love in our tours of India. In the same way, the Indian team also received love and respect during their tour in 2005," Afridi said.
"Cricket tours should be kept aside from politics. There is no big politics than India and Pakistan playing against each other in their countries. Virat will forget the love he has received in India when he would play in Pakistan. He has a huge craze in Pakistan and our people like him very much," he added.
Kohli also has a strong T20I and ODI record against Pakistan. The former Indian skipper averages 52.15 in ODIs and 70.29 in T20Is vs. Pakistan.
"If we work on the basis of merit, the results will come" - Shahid Afridi
With Pakistan cricket witnessing continuous change in their administration, Afridi reckons chairmen deserve tenure of 2-3 years.
"Chairman should at least get three years so that Pakistan captain can remain for 2-3 years at his post. With the change of chairman, other things should not be affected. If we work on the basis of merit, the results will come. If the right person takes the right job, then the result will come automatically," he said.
With the men's team performing poorly in the T20 World Cup 2024, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already started the cleaning process.
