It has been ages since India and Pakistan met for a bilateral cricketing series that could have improved the ties of India and Pakistan. However, as both the nations are stuck in political limbo with the relationship aggravating further, the future looks bleak for any possible cricket series between the two nations. They have met in ICC events and Asia Cup those are universal competitions.
The last time these two nations met was in 2012 and Pakistan walked away with the bragging rights in the tournament. That was the last of bilateral contests that these two shared between themselves.
Former Pakistani all-rounder, Shahid Afridi accredited Modi for not letting any further ties between the two nations happening. Honestly, the reason for this statement was unclear and it was still to be decided that what exactly Afridi wanted to relay to Modi.
Afridi said to Arab News in an interview, “The government of Pakistan is always ready but with the present regime (in India) there are no such chances of (resuming) cricket relations, of (Pakistan-India) series. With Modi in power, I don’t see it’s going to happen.”
He also stressed on the fact that sport can play a great bridge between two countries in improving their relations. He cited, “I think that sports are a thing which can help improve ties.”
Afridi also opened up about Pakistan players missing out on the IPL and according to him, this is like a huge opportunity slipping up from their hands.
He quoted, “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. So, in my opinion, Pakistani players are missing a big opportunity.”
