Ashish Ranjan
In light of PCB chairman Najam Sethi’s most recent interview, Pakistan’s participation in the forthcoming ODI World Cup hosted by India remains in doubt. Multiple times, the Pakistani board has expressed discontent with playing at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. However, former Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi has urged the team to play at the venue to demonstrate their mettle.
PCB chairman Najam Sethi recently disclosed that the team will only travel to India for the ICC mega-event if the Pakistani government grants permission. BCCI’s draft schedule for the World Cup has been delayed due to Pakistan’s reluctance to play at the Narendra Modi Stadium, which is rumored to host the titanic clash between archrivals India and Pakistan.
Former Pakistani captain and one of the country’s most celebrated cricketers, Shahid Afridi, persuaded the team to play in Ahmedabad despite board opposition. He was unable to comprehend the rationale behind Pakistan’s unwillingness to play at the venue.
Why do they refuse to perform on the Ahmedabad fields? It either throws flames or is haunted. Go and compete; go, compete, and triumph. “If these are the anticipated obstacles, the only way to overcome them is with a decisive victory,” Afridi stated on Samaa TV.
Also See | ‘I must admit I was a little surprised’ – Ricky Ponting opens up on Starc’s omission
Pull off a victory in front of a crowded Indian crowd to demonstrate your abilities: Afridi
The former cricketer elaborated, stating that the sole concern should be the team’s triumph. He stated that a victory for the Men in Green in the Lion’s Den would alert the Indians to Pakistan’s fortitude and serve as a stern warning to the other teams in the tournament.
“What ultimately matters is the Pakistan team’s victory. Therein and only therein is the central issue. Consider this in a positive light. “If they’re comfortable there, you should go and win in front of a raucous Indian crowd to show them what you’re made of,” he added.
