Shahid Afridi wants more India Pakistan matches

Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi urged for more India Pakistan cricket matches as he wished India on occasion of the 72^nd Independence Day.

Afridi tweeted his wishes to India on Twitter by saying, ‘Happy Independence day to our neighbours India’. The Pakistani all-rounder further added that he wants peace to prevail between the two nations so that there are more cricket matches.

This tweet by Afridi has become quite popular among the fans from both countries and he is getting a lot of support for his wishes.

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

Due to political issues, the Indian government has refused to play any bilateral cricket with Pakistan. The last Test series between India and Pakistan was played in 2007 when Pakistan toured India.

Normalcy prevailed for a short duration in 2012 when the two nations indulged in a three-match ODI series but it was only a short reprieve as since then the Indian government has declined to play any bilateral cricket with Pakistan.

Currently, both teams play each other only in ICC events and multi-team tournaments such as Asia cup. The last game between the two was the Champions Trophy final which was played in England last year. The two teams are set to lock horns against each other in the Asia Cup this year and then in the world cup next year.

But the chances of a bilateral series between India and Pakistan are slim as the Indian government at the moment has not given any indications of resuming cricket with Pakistan. Hence, in this context, Afridi’s comments are important as it indicates how eager Pakistani cricketers are to play against India.

This may have a lot to do with the fact that Pakistani cricketers aren’t allowed to take part in the Indian Premier League which is currently one the richest cricket leagues on the planet.

Whatever may be the reason behind Afridi’s wishes, fans and the broadcasters will be hoping that his wishes come true soon.