ODI World Cup 2023 is less than three months away but the controversy around Pakistan's participation does not seem to be dying down. With Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) all set to push for neutral venues for their World Cup games, former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi wants the Babar Azam-led side to go to India and play the host at Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on October 15.
Afridi also recalled when he toured India and alleged that stones were pelted at team bus.
“It was a high pressure moment in our careers (tours of India). When we hit boundaries, there was no one to cheer. When we won the Bangalore Test and were departing for hotel, stones were pelted on the team bus. The pressure is there, of course but then it’s only fun when there’s pressure,” the all-rounder said at a recent event.
“People are saying that Pakistan should not go to India. I am totally against it, I think we should go there and win the match,” Afridi added.
Pakistan are yet to beat India in ODI World Cup history. However, in the only ODI clash at Ahmedabad, Pakistan had beaten India in a high-scoring affair.
Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq feels it will be injustice to cricket fans of both countries.
“When there can be contacts between the two countries in other sports, why not in cricket. Why link cricket with political relations? It is unfair to deprive people of a chance to see their teams play against each other,” said Misbah at a function in Karachi on July 14.
“It is great injustice to the fans who follow Pakistan and Indian cricket a lot,” he added.
Misbah also shared advice for the Babar Azam-led side who will look to break the ODI World Cup jinx after ending the losing streak in T20 World Cup 2021.
“What is happening outside their sphere they should not think about it. The key to doing well in the World Cup in India is to get the playing XIs right at particular venues and against particular opposition,” he said.
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