Shahid Afridi has called for increased competition between Pakistan and traditional rivals India, in a tweet that wishes India a happy Independence Day.
Happy Independence Day to #India, our neighbors across the border. I sincerely hope that from this year onwards, both Pakistan and India work towards resolving their issues for a better, peaceful and prosperous region where India Pak cricket matches can also be frequently held.
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) August 15, 2018
Afridi’s tweet hoped for the neighbouring countries to ‘resolve their issues for a better, peaceful and prosperous region’ soon. Whilst the Pakistan superstar ultimately emphasised a desire for Pakistan versus India cricket fixtures to return to international cricket schedules more frequently.
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Afridi recently made a highly anticipated return to the world stage in the World XI v West Indies benefit match at Lord’s[/caption]
The two countries currently just face off during ICC events if drawn against each other. The Indian government prevented any series between the two Test nations since political tensions rose in 2012. Pakistan have previously been eager to resume regular fixtures, suggesting even staging matches at neutral venues.
Matches between Pakistan and India have been some of the most-watched in cricket history, and the two are set to clash at Old Trafford during next year’s World Cup.
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Mohammad Amir celebrates taking the wicket of Shikhar Dhawan in the previous major tournament clash between India and Pakistan[/caption]
Pakistan will be without Afridi at the World Cup for the first time in over two decades after his retirement in February 2017. However, without their superstar, Pakistan were able to crush none other than India at Lord’s in the 2017 Champions Trophy final.
Afridi’s comments come after recent news that New Zealand Cricket rejected an invite to play their first matches back in Pakistan for 15 years.
