Gentleman's Game to Play a Significant Role in Bridging Gap Between India-Pakistan Ties

In a bid to normalize the ties between neighboring countries India and Pakistan, the former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi believes cricket is the best medium – to put an end to the escalating tensions between both the arch-rivals after the political differences.

“I feel that cricket can play an important role in normalising relations between India and Pakistan,” Afridi told PakPassion.

When Afridi was asked about the resumption of cricketing ties between India-Pakistan, the 37-year-old Peshawar-based cricketer remarked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already offered its counterpart Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) – to play the bilateral series while adding he is hopeful to see India responding on this part.

“Pakistan has always extended their hand of friendship towards India as far as cricket is concerned and I do wish India would reciprocate in that regard,” Afridi maintained.

(Read Also: Watch: Shahid Afridi Slams Maiden T20 Ton Off 42 Balls In NatWest Blast)

The recently retired cricket Afridi further revealed any sport could play an imperative role to end the long-standing sour relationship.

“Sports, whether it is cricket or football or any other has that effect so really there should be no doubt about it,” Afridi conceded.

To renew the on-field battle and buzz among the die-hard fans, Afridi feels following the accord India-Pakistan could share a strong bond to restart the cricketing ties following the complete overhauling.

“We need to have strong relations in which we share each other’s happiness and sorrows. But it now needs to be given a permanent shape and cricket is that binding force which can bring both nations together,” Afridi added.

Having the experience of playing different Twenty20 professional leagues across the globe, Afridi has further at the forefront to share a strong relationship with the opponents.

“When Indians and Pakistanis can live in harmony in overseas nations then we as neighbours can also do the same,” Afridi further added.

Known for his explosive hitting and playing an integral for Pakistan, Afridi has been the poster boy for Pakistan cricket even he miserably failed most of the times.

During his 19-year-long career, Afridi has left an impact in Pakistan cricket with his leg-spin bowling before bowing out from international cricket early this year.

Pertinently, Afridi also shed light on Sarfraz Ahmed’s captaincy while adding spin-bowling all-rounder Shadab Khan has an immense talent in him and he is going to play his part owing to his skills.

“I think the term “so far so good” is the best way to describe how well Shadab has done so far for Pakistan,” Afridi concluded.

(Read Further: West Indies To Tour Pakistan Every Year For the Next Five Years)

Moreover, Afridi remarked when he was participating in the domestic circuit in Pakistan the condition was not up to the mark while adding he is not a person to express as of now after being away from the domestic fixtures.

Afridi has played 523 international fixtures overall for Pakistan in which he amassed 11,185 runs and went on to bag 540 wickets across formats while donning the national jersey.