I will request Modi sahab to let cricket happen between both countries: Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi has requested India’s prime minister Narendra Modi to allow cricket to resume between India and Pakistan. Considering the ongoing political tension between the two nations, India and team Pakistan have not engaged in a bilateral series since 2012-13, and have only crossed paths in the Asia Cup and ICC events.

Former star all-rounder Afridi urged Modi to let the two nations play cricket. He further added that the BCCI should focus on making ‘friends’ rather than making ‘enemies’ despite being a strong board.

“I will request Modi sahab to let cricket happen between both countries. What can we do if we want to befriend someone and he does not talk to us? There is no doubt that the BCCI is a very strong board, but when you are strong, you have more responsibility. You don’t try to make more enemies; you need to make friends. When you make more friends, you become stronger,” Afridi was quoted as saying by Indian Express.

Shahid Afridi believes Pakistan has ‘no security’ concerns

Notably, the BCCI and PCB have been at loggerheads with the issue pertaining to hosting of the forthcoming Asia Cup. However, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has almost made it certain that the national team will not be travelling to the neighbouring country keeping in mind the security concerns and the political climate.

However, Shahid Afridi further stated that numerous teams have toured Pakistan in recent times. He also added that if the governments of both nations give the green signal, then the tour may take place.

“As far as the security concern in Pakistan is concerned, we had many international teams traveling here recently. We used to face security threats from India as well, but if permission is received from the government of both countries, then the tour will happen. If the tour doesn’t happen, we will give those people a chance. All they want is that there should be no cricket between them,” Afridi further said.