While the chances of seeing India and Pakistan resuming bilateral ties are looking bleak, star all-rounder Shahid Afridi feels Indian cricketers should also be invited to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Former Pakistan expressed his desire while speaking at a function of his foundation in Lahore. Stating that he knew that Indian players had contracts which didn’t allow them to play in other foreign T20 leagues, Afridi said the players should still be invited.
“But we should at least try to invite them for the PSL. I know it is difficult that they will come as they only play in the Indian Premier League. But we should invite them for the next edition of the PSL,” he said.
Afridi’s comments have come at a time when India-Pakistan ties are at an all-time low. The arch-rivals had not played a full bilateral Test series since 2007 when Pakistan visited India for three Tests and five One-Day Internationals. They played a short series of three ODIs and two T20s in India in December 2012, but otherwise, both have faced each other only in the ICC organised events or the Asia Cup.
Both the teams last played in Champions Trophy (Credits: Getty)
The star allrounder further said that the increased number of foreign players coming to Pakistan for the playoffs and final was exciting. He also said that it would pave the way for the return of more international teams in Pakistan.
It is a very big step forward but I also believe that in future only those foreign players should be invited for the PSL who agree to also come and play in Pakistan when required, he added. Afridi said that with more international players coming to Pakistan for the PSL it will eventually also lead to international teams returning to the country for bilateral series,” he said.
No top test teams had toured Pakistan since March 2009 when militants attacked the Sri Lankan team in Lahore. As a result, Pakistan is playing their home series in the UAE or other neutral venues. However, things are improving since Lahore hosted the PSL final last year. Since then, a world XI side and Sri Lanka have already visited Pakistan.