Amidst the tension over the Asia Cup 2023 between the BCCI and PCB, former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi recalled how the Pakistan government had once kept differences aside between the two nations and sent the team to India despite facing a threat from an Indian.
However, the former Pakistan captain didn’t reveal the name of that person but said that the Pakistan cricket team was threatened by someone from Mumbai that they wouldn't be allowed in India but still toured the country.
Now, Afridi wants Team India to come to Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup, promising great hospitality for the Indian players.
He also urged the BCCI to keep aside political tensions and send their team for the tournament. Notably, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is all set to have a meeting in Dubai with its members to reach a conclusion over the hosting of the Asia Cup in 2023.
Speaking to media on the sidelines of the LLC 2023, Shahid Afridi said: “Who is saying no to Asia Cup? India is saying no. Aap Indian team ko bheje toh sahi, humlog sar aankhon par rakhenge (You just send the Indian team to Pakistan and we will welcome them with great pleasure).”
He added, “Before this, an Indian from Mumbai, won't take his name, had threatened Pakistan that they won't be allowed in India. But we kept all aside and our government had taken it up as a responsibility and the Pakistan team did go to India. So, threats should not ruin our relationship. Threats will remain.”
Recalling India's tour of Pakistan in 2004-05, the former all-rounder said: “It would have been really nice if India had come. It would have been a step towards cricket and Pakistan for India. This is not a generation of wars and fights, we want relationships to get better.”
Afridi signed off by saying, “We have played against India with a lot of love and affection. I remember when we came to India, we got an outstanding response. If you remember the 2005 series, Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh used to go shopping and to restaurants, and no one used to charge them money. This is the beauty of the two nations.”
