Whenever there is a match between India and Pakistan, viewership records are broken as fans from both countries stay glued to their TV sets to watch the intense rivalry unfold. Previously, bilateral series used to be played between the two teams. However, due to the political tensions between the nations, India-Pakistan competitions now occur only in ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup. The last Test series between the two teams was played in 2007, while the white-ball series took place in 2013.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma, speaking on the Club Prairie Fire podcast, expressed his enthusiasm for a Test series between India and Pakistan, stating that it would be awesome to play such a series.
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"We play them in ICC trophies anyway, so it doesn't really matter. It’s just pure cricket that I’m looking at. I’m not interested in anything else. They’re a good team. They’ve got a superb bowling lineup, so it’ll be a good contest especially if you play in overseas conditions. That’ll be awesome," Rohit said.
Shahid Afridi reacts to Rohit Sharma's comments
Following Rohit's statement, former Pakistan captain and star all-rounder, Shahid Afridi reacted and shared his opinion on the possibility of an India-Pakistan bilateral series.
"Bilkul bahut acha jawaab hai, hona bhi yahi chahiye (very good answer, the series should happen). A positive statement from an Indian captain. He is also an ambassador of India. We have always said that the relationship between Pakistan and India….sports – especially cricket – has played an important role in it. We used to go to India and play cricket there. These things build relationship…padosi hai padosiyo ka haq hota relationship jitna behtar ho utna acha hai (it’s neighbours right to have a good relationship)," Afridi said on Samaa TV said.
India to play Pakistan on June 9
India and Pakistan are scheduled to face each other in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 on June 9 in New York. Their last encounter was during the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, where India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The previous meeting between the two teams in the T20 World Cup was in 2022, when they played a thrilling match in Melbourne, with Virat Kohli being awarded the Player of the Match for his match-winning 82-run knock.
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