I am waiting for India to come to Pakistan and play a series: Shahid Afridi

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi felt it is the right time for both India and Pakistan to hold deliberations on their strained bilateral ties without the involvement of the third nation. Both the neighboring countries last played a bilateral series in 2012.

India had hosted Pakistan in the previous edition of T20 International World Cup four years ago. In spite of meeting in the ICC tournaments, India haven’t toured Pakistan since 2008. BCCI had to host the 2018 Asia Cup but later changed it to UAE as the PCB were unwilling to tour India due to the tensions between the two countries.

Shahid Afridi said that the security conditions in the country are improved and in a good state to host international tournaments, “The whole of PSL being held in Pakistan is a good message for all countries, as also Bangladesh touring and playing even Test cricket, shows that our security situation is good. I am waiting for India to come to Pakistan and play a series.” Afridi said as quoted by India Today.

Asia Cup should be held with both India and Pakistan in it: Shahid Afridi

However, the star all-rounder also commented that India and Pakistan both should be a part of the Asia Cup irrespective of where it is being held.

“The Asia Cup should be held with both India and Pakistan in it. It’s time Pakistan and India sat together and sorted out their problems without involving any third country. They have many issues and once they sit together, it can be sorted but Asia Cup held anywhere should have India and Pakistan playing in the event,” Shahid Afridi added.

Meanwhile, India Today recently quoted a BCCI source stating that there’s the need for a neutral venue as India is not willing to travel to Pakistan, “there is no way that an Indian team can visit Pakistan to even participate in a multi-nation event like the Asia Cup.”

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Executive Officer, Wasim Khan said that its the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) who are liable to a final call on the venue of Asia Cup 2020 to be held in September. The Asia Cup will be the perfect opportunity for both the teams to hone their skills and get ready for the upcoming ICC World Cup which is scheduled in Australia later this year.