Cricket can normalize India-Pakistan relations: Shahid Afridi

Former Pakistani skipper Shahid Afridi feels that the current tensions between India and Pakistan can be normalized using the cricket channel. Afridi believes that the two nations can try to bridge the gap that has been created between them by playing against one another. As per the recent quotes in PakPassion.net, Afridi went on to say that the sports, on a general term, is a very useful medium to calm things down.

He mentioned that the Pakistan cricket has always extended their hand for resuming cricketing ties. He hopes that the Indian counterparts will reciprocate on the same too. He further questioned that if the two nations can play one another at the neutral venues and global tournaments, then why can’t they do the same as neighbouring countries. He wishes to see a good relation shaping up between the two countries. Recently, even Virender Sehwag had opined that India and Pakistan should play against each other.

“I feel that cricket can play an important role in normalising relations between India and Pakistan. Sports, whether it is cricket or football or any other has that effect so really there should be no doubt about it. Pakistan has always extended their hand of friendship towards India as far as cricket is concerned and I do wish India would reciprocate in that regard,” quoted Shahid Afridi.

“When Indians and Pakistanis can live in harmony in overseas nations then we as neighbours can also do the same. We need to have strong relations in which we share each other’s happiness and sorrows. This is something we have had done in the past but in patches, but it now needs to be given a permanent shape and cricket is that binding force which can bring both nations together,” he added further.

On Shadab Khan

Shahid Afridi was further asked to comment on the rapid progress that young leggie Shadab Khan has had in international cricket. Shadab has been quite impressive at the highest stage thus far. Shahid Afridi was quick to concede that things have been good for Shadab till now.

He, however, maintained that it is too early to judge him. He hopes to see how Shadab fares up against the bigger rivals and the top teams of the world. For now, the kind of energy and enthusiasm that Shadab has been showing on the field, Afridi seemed pretty satisfied with that.

“I think the term “so far so good” is the best way to describe how well Shadab has done so far for Pakistan. Like I have said before, one can only judge how good a player or a team is when they perform well against the top teams of the world. If we look at his performance so far, I am really impressed by his energy and the fact that he can also bat fairly well. Now, it’s really up to him to take his own career forward by improving himself further to take his game to another level. In this sport and as indeed in life, one has to perpetually try hard to learn and continue to improve oneself,” conceded the former cricketer.