(AFP Photo)
Former cricketer Shahid Afridi, calling Virat Kohli his favorite player, has suggested that Kohli might not experience the same hospitality in Pakistan as he does in his own country.
Afridi’s remarks come amidst reports indicating India’s probable absence from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, with UAE emerging as a potential neutral venue, similar to the Asia Cup setup last year when India played in Sri Lanka.
I welcome the Indian team to Pakistan: Shahid Afridi
The decision rests with time whether India will visit Pakistan next year, but Shahid Afridi has passionately urged the team to make the trip. Reflecting on the warm reception Pakistani players received during their tours to India, Afridi emphasized that sports should remain separate from politics.
“I welcome the Indian team to Pakistan. We have gotten a lot of respect in India when Pakistan has toured India. The Pakistan team also got a lot of love in India when we toured in 2005. Sports should be kept away from politics. There is nothing better than politics than both teams playing cricket against each other,” Shahid Afridi told News24 Sports.
Expanding on his thoughts, Afridi highlighted the immense popularity of Virat Kohli in Pakistan and expressed his belief that Kohli should not have retired from T20Is. Afridi noted that the former India captain’s decision came following their recent T20 World Cup victory.
“If Virat Kohli comes to Pakistan, he’ll forget the hospitality of India. There is a lot of craze for him in Pakistan. People like him a lot in Pakistan.
“He is my favourite player. He should not have retired from T20Is because T20Is looked better because of him. He could have played more. He is in form, he is fit, he trains everyday,” said Afridi.