Rohit Sharma calls for India vs Pakistan bilateral cricket; Shahid Afridi reacts

Former Pakistan captain and legendary all-rounder, Shahid Afridi, reacted to India National Cricket Team captain Rohit Sharma’s recent statement on resuming bilateral cricketing ties between two neighbours, as they face each other only in multi-nation events.

The rivalry between India and Pakistan is one of the most intense and historic in the sports world. The matches between the two cricketing powerhouses are charged with a lot of emotions due to the on-border tensions the two neighbouring nations.

However, India stopped playing bilateral series with Pakistan due to the political tensions between the two arch-rivals. However, they play each other in the ICC tournaments and Asia Cup. They last played a bilateral series in 2007.

Rohit Sharma wants to play in a Test series against Pakistan

However, PCB and BCCI wants to resume the cricketing ties, but the government isn’t allowing, given the on-border activities from the other side. Since they meet only in multi-nation events, the matches between India and Pakistan are highly anticipated and widely watched events in the world.

While the future of bilateral cricketing ties between them remains uncertain, Rohit Sharma recently expressed his desire to play Test series with Pakistan on the neutral venue. He said a Test series between the two teams would be fantastic.

Rohit Sharma said on the Club Prairie Fire podcast, “I mean, we play them in ICC tournaments. I am only interested in cricket and nothing else. It's just pure cricket that I'm looking at. I'm not interested in anything else. They have a strong team. They've got a superb bowling lineup. So, it will be an exciting match, especially if you play in the overseas conditions, because of their excellent bowling lineup. That will be fantastic.”

Shahid Afridi welcomes Rohit Sharma's idea

Shahid Afridi has reacted to Rohit’s statement, as the former Pakistan skipper appreciated the positive response from the Indian captain. He also backed the idea of scheduling the series to improve relations between Pakistan and India.

Afridi also highlighted past instances where Pakistan and India toured for cricket matches, saying such activities build stronger bonds between neighboring nations. He stressed that playing with each other regularly is important for neighbors to maintain good relations.

Shahid Afridi said on Samaa TV: “Bilkul bahut acha jawab hai, hona bhi yahi chahiye (very good answer, the series should happen). A positive statement from an Indian captain. He is also an ambassador of India. We have always said that the relationship between Pakistan and India – sports, especially cricket – has played an important role in it.

We used to go to India and play cricket there. These things build relationship. Padosi hain…Padosiyo ka haq hota relationship jitna behtar ho utna acha hai. (it is the right of neighbours to get along and have a good relationship).”

Notably, Pakistan is currently hosting New Zealand in a five-match T20I series, while Indian players are currently busy participating in the ongoing IPL 2024. India and Pakistan will be up against each other in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 when they play their group match on June 9 in New York.