ACC members including the BCCI and PCB are set to meet in Dubai to reach a conclusion on the much-talked-about Asia Cup 2023 tournament and the ICC is also set to hold a meeting. While there was no official statement. Reports from the previous ACC meeting in Bahrain last month suggested that the UAE would be the new venue for the tournament, with Pakistan retaining the hosting rights.
Speaking to media on the sidelines of the Legends League Cricket, Afridi was asked how matters will improve if there is constant retaliation –
He said – “Who is saying no to Asia Cup? India is saying no.”
Amid the talk, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi feels that Pakistan are ready to welcome the Indian team for the tournament. And urged the BCCI to keep aside political tensions and send their side.
Afridi said – “Aap Indian team ko bheje toh sahi, humlog sar aankhon par rakhenge (You just send the Indian team to Pakistan and we will welcome them with great pleasure).”
Afridi added – “Before this, an Indian from Mumbai, won’t take his name, had threatened Pakistan that they won’t be allowed in India. But we kept all aside and our government had taken it up as a responsibility and Pakistan team did go to India. So threats should not ruin our relationship. Threats will remain.”
Afridi further said –
“It would have been really nice if India had come. It would have been a step towards cricket and Pakistan for India. This is not a generation of wars and fights, we want relationships to get better. We have played against India with a lot of love and affection.”
Afridi further added – “I remember when we came to India, we got an outstanding response. If you remember the 2005 series, Harbhajan and Yuvraj used to go shopping and to restaurants. And no one used to charge them money. This is the beauty of the two nations.”
