Former flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Khan Afridi once again bashed the Indian government led by Narendra Modi for bringing politics into sports.
Speaking to Arab News, Afridi said Modi will never allow India vs Pakistan bilateral series to go on due to fulfilling his political ambitions. “With Modi in power, I don’t see India and Pakistan playing bilateral series,” Afridi stated.
“As we all know, the Pakistani government has always believed in dialogues and ready to resume cricket relations with India, but from the other side, it seems impossible for now,” he added.
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Meanwhile, Afridi still thinks cricket is the only way to bring both nations and governments closer to each other. “Despite all tensions among both countries, still I believe cricket can help improve ties,” he said.
#WATCH: #Pakistan‘s former skipper @SAfridiOfficial says there’s no chance of reviving #cricket ties with #India as long as Indian PM #NarendraModi is in power. || #ShahidAfridi #ANShortCuts
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Read special by @NKMalazai: https://t.co/lAhCJb0JpX pic.twitter.com/DIZuaSwtDM— Arab News Pakistan (@arabnewspk) September 26, 2020
It must be noted here that Pakistan and India last played a bilateral series in 2012-2013. Pakistan toured India for three ODIs and as many T20Is. Thereafter, both teams just played in ICC and Asian events.
On the other hand, Afridi stressed Pakistani players should have included in the Indian Premier League (IPL). “I know that IPL is a very big brand in the world of cricket and it is an excellent opportunity for, whether it’s Babar Azam, or many other Pakistani players to go there [to India] and play under pressure and share dressing rooms,” said former Pakistani Test cricketer. “So in my opinion Pakistani players are missing a big opportunity,” he concluded.
