Cricket Series

"Pakistan Is Ready To...": Shahid Afridi On Jay Shah's 'Security Concern' Comment

By Admin 08-09-2023

Originally, the entire Asia Cup 2023 was scheduled to be held in Pakistan, but later, nine matches of the tournament were relocated to Sri Lanka. Pakistan is also set to host the 2025 Champions Trophy.

In response to the security concerns expressed by Jay Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), former captain Shahid Afridi has issued a reminder. It is important to note that Asia Cup 2023, initially planned entirely in Pakistan, is now being co-hosted by the country, with nine matches moved to Sri Lanka. Shah had stated, "All the full members, media rights holders, and in-stadia rights holders were initially hesitant to commit to hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan. This reluctance stemmed from concerns related to the security and economic situation prevailing in the country."

In response, Afridi highlighted the international events that Pakistan has successfully hosted in the past six years, emphasizing that the country is fully prepared to host the Champions Trophy in 2023.

"I came across Mr. @JayShah's statement about the security situation in Pakistan. Just to refresh his memory, Pakistan has hosted the following foreign players/teams in the past six years:

2017 - ICC World XI & Sri Lanka 2018 - West Indies 2019 - West Indies (Women), Bangladesh (Women), & Sri Lanka 2020 - Bangladesh, Pakistan Super League (PSL), Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), & Zimbabwe 2021 - West Indies, PSL, South Africa, & West Indies 2022 - Australia, PSL, West Indies, Bangladesh U19, Ireland (Women), & England (2) 2023 - New Zealand (2), PSL, Women's Exhibition Matches, #AsiaCup2023 (Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, & Bangladesh), & South Africa (Women)," Afridi tweeted on X (formerly known as Twitter).

"Rest assured, Mr. Shah, Pakistan is fully prepared to host @BCCI at the #ICCChampionsTrophy2025," he added.

The Pakistan cricket team arrived in Colombo on Thursday for their second-round clash against India in the Asia Cup Super 4 stage.

Pakistan aims to maintain their unbeaten streak in the Asia Cup after defeating Bangladesh on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Indian team has already begun preparations for their upcoming match against their arch-rivals.

The group stage match between India and Pakistan was called off due to rain, with both teams sharing one point each. In the game, the Indian team struggled against Pakistan's pace attack, particularly Shaheen Afridi, who took four wickets in the match.

India was bowled out for 266 in 48.5 overs, with Hardik Pandya scoring 87 and Ishan Kishan contributing 82, setting a competitive target.