Shahid Afridi welcomes Rohit Sharma’s Pakistan-India Test series remark
'Boom Boom' believed that cricket has a strong influence on the relationship between the two countries
Former Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi welcomed India’s skipper Rohit Sharma’s statement of restarting the bilateral series between the two countries saying it has a “significant” influence on the relationship between the neighbours.
Afridi, who led the Pakistan cricket team in the 2011 World Cup which was played in India, stated that the Pakistani team has travelled to India in the past and the same should happen now as such activities help in building positive relationship.
“Great reply. The series needs to be scheduled. An encouraging word from the Indian captain. It is also the case that he represents India. As we have always stated, sports, particularly cricket, have had a significant influence on the relationship between Pakistan and India. In the past, we toured India to play cricket. These activities build relationships, and it is the right of neighbours to get along,” Afridi said while talking to a local channel.
Earlier, Rohit Sharma stated that he love to play a Test series against and face their “superb” bowling lineup.
Former England skipper Michael Vaughan, while speaking on the podcast Club Prairie Fire, had asked Rohit: “Don’t you think India playing Pakistan regularly will be fantastic for Test cricket?”
“I totally believe that! They are a good team,” Rohit replied. “They have got a superb bowling line-up. I think it would be a good contest, especially if you play in the overseas condition. That would be awesome.
“Last test match played between India and Pakistan was way back I think in 2006 or 2008 [2007], where Wasim Jaffar got a double hundred in Kolkata.”
Vaughan then asked Rohit: “Would you like to see a regular series with Pakistan?”
“I would love to. At the end of the day, we want to be in contest,” Rohit replied. “I think it will be a great contest between the two sides. We anyway play them in the ICC tournaments. So, it doesn’t even matter. I am only interested in pure cricket. I am not looking at anything else.
“It’s just pure cricket. A battle between bat and ball. It will be a great contest so why not.”
Remember, India and Pakistan last featured in a Test series back in 2007 when the Anil Kumble-led side won the three-match series 1-0.
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