In yet another strike at India, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has launched a scathing attack at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Shahid Afridi was commenting about his former teammate Shoaib Akhtar’s recent proposal for an ODI series between India and Pakistan, to raise funds for both countries for the fight against coronavirus pandemic.
Akhtar said that a closed-door series could be played to jointly raise funds to fight the deadly virus both in India and Pakistan. However, his proposal has invited criticism with the likes of Kapil Dev and Rajeev Shukla laughing it off. Unlike Kapil Dev and Shukla, Shahid Afridi backed Akhtar’s plans.
Shahid Afridi said that Pakistan wishes to play against India, but its chances are very bleak because of the Modi government. As far as the Indian government is concerned, it has made it clear that it would not resume bilateral ties with Pakistan until and unless they stop cross-border terrorism.
The arch-rivals did not play a full bilateral series since 2007 when Pakistan visited India for three Tests, and five ODIs. In December 2012, they played a short series of three ODIs and two T20s in India, but both have faced each other only in the ICC organized events or the Asia Cup.
“We want to play against India, but it’s difficult in this situation because of the Modi Government as there is negativity coming from them. Pakistan has always been positive, but India also has to take a positive step towards us,” Shahid Afridi was quoted as saying by Pakistan journalist Saj Sadiq on Twitter.
“Relations with India should be better as cricket has always brought Pakistan & India closer. I agree with Shoaib Akhtar, we should have matches, but it’ll be a big challenge to organize as we don’t know where they’d be held or if India wants to play,” he added.
