Shahid Afridi Urges India to Participate in Champions Trophy in Pakistan

With the 2025 Champions Trophy facing uncertainty due to India's reported reluctance to travel to Pakistan, former captain Shahid Afridi has appealed to the BCCI to reconsider. Afridi hopes India will play in Pakistan, believing it will strengthen cricketing ties between the two nations and give Pakistani fans the chance to see Virat Kohli in action. Bilateral cricket matches between India and Pakistan have been suspended since 2013. Pakistan visited India for last year’s 50-over World Cup, and it was anticipated that India would reciprocate by playing in Pakistan. Reports suggested India's matches would be held in Lahore, near the border. However, ANI reported that the BCCI is not keen on sending the team to Pakistan and has proposed a hybrid model, similar to last year's Asia Cup.

Kohli, who has played for India worldwide but not in Pakistan, has a significant fan base across the border. The last Indian tour to Pakistan was in 2006, two years before Kohli debuted for India. For the 35-year-old Kohli, this could be his final chance to play in Pakistan. Having retired from T20Is, Kohli is entering a phase focusing on ODIs, Tests, and the IPL. Afridi expressed that hosting Team India would be a gesture of goodwill, highlighting the mutual respect and hospitality experienced during past tours. He suggested that if Kohli visited Pakistan, he would be deeply touched by the local support and hospitality.

Afridi also believes Kohli should have continued playing T20Is for India. After India won the T20 World Cup by defeating South Africa in the final on June 29, Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their retirements from T20 internationals, ending their careers as India's top two highest run-scorers in the format. Afridi argued that young players would benefit significantly from Kohli's presence. He suggested that Kohli’s experience and mentorship would greatly aid the development of new talents, emphasising the importance of a blend of senior and junior players.