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“If the Indian Cricket Team had visited Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, they would have experienced the country’s hospitality, but since they chose a neutral venue for the tournament, there’s nothing we can do, said Shaheen Shah Afridi while speaking to the media outside Mazar-e-Quaid.
Afridi also discussed the team’s preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, highlighting their recent success in the One Day International (ODI) series against South Africa.
He expressed confidence in the team’s strong combination and determination to improve ahead of the upcoming tri-series between Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand in country’s home ground.
“The current team combination is quite effective and will deliver results, as a tri-series is around the corner we will try to improve more in ODIs,” Afridi added.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s challenging year in 2024 across all formats, Afridi acknowledged the difficulties but praised the unwavering support from fans, which motivated the team to perform better.
“The ODI series against South Africa was a historic one as Pakistan whitewashed the team on their home ground with no other team managed to achieve it,” Afridi said.
Shaheen, while responding to another question, shared that wearing Pakistan’s jersey is a proud feeling not only in cricket but in every sports filed.
During his first visit to mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam on the occassion of Dec 25 – Jinnah’s Birthday, Shaheen expressed that the Quaid gave this beautiful country to the people and now it’s the responsibility of people, including cricketers and sportspersons, to keep the flag high.
While distancing himself from politics, Shaheen stated, “I am a sportsman, not a politician, I and other players just want to perform well for Pakistan, not to be involved in politics.”
If the Indian Cricket Team visits Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 they will see our hospitality, but they opted for the neutral venue for the tournament so we can’t do anything.
He concluded by honoring the legacy of Quaid-e-Azam, stating that it was the responsibility of all Pakistanis, including cricketers, to uphold the nation’s honor.
