Vikrant Shekhawat : Nov 14, 2024, 06:00 AM
Champions Trophy 2025: The Champions Trophy 2025 is proposed to be held in Pakistan, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is trying its best to make it happen successfully. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has refused to send Team India to Pakistan due to security reasons and political differences. The BCCI suggests that India can play in the Champions Trophy under a hybrid model, in which some matches are played at a neutral venue. But Pakistan's disagreement on this model has created a crisis regarding the tournament. Organizing the Champions Trophy without the participation of the Indian team is considered almost impossible, because without India the attraction of the tournament will be reduced to a great extent.Afridi's changed attitudeFormer Pakistan all-rounder and cricket icon Shahid Afridi, who has been famous for his controversial statements and attitude, is seen in a new style this time. Afridi, who earlier did not hesitate to make statements on India and Kashmir, is now advising both the countries to forget their differences and unite for the Champions Trophy.Afridi appealed to the cricket community through a post on the social media platform X to come together in the interest of the game. He says that this is a difficult phase for cricket since the 1970s, and everyone should work together in this time of crisis. Afridi also said that if unity can be shown in the Olympic spirit in other sports, then this should be possible in cricket as well.He said, "I hope to see every team in Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. Every team will experience our warmth and hospitality and take unforgettable memories off the field as well."A look at Afridi's cricket careerShahid Afridi has made a special mark in Pakistani cricket as an explosive all-rounder. In ODI cricket, Afridi has scored 8064 runs in 398 matches, including 6 centuries. Apart from this, his bowling has also been strong, and he has taken 395 wickets. In 99 T20 International matches, he scored 1416 runs and took 98 wickets. Afridi has also represented Pakistan in Test cricket and has played 27 Test matches.Afridi's impact on India-Pak relationsAfridi's recent statement can give a new direction to the relations between Pakistan and India in cricket. His changed attitude may have a positive impact on the cricket boards of both the countries, and this may make the successful organization of the Champions Trophy possible. However, it will be interesting to see how the BCCI and PCB agree on this, because without India, the organization of the tournament will be incomplete for cricket fans all over the world.