"Pakistan Is Ready To…": Shahid Afridi On Jay Shah's 'Security Concern' Comment
Former captain Shahid Afridi issued a reminder in response to Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah's concern about "security" in Pakistan.
It is worth noting that the Asia Cup 2023, which was originally scheduled to take place entirely in Pakistan, is now being co-hosted by the country after nine matches were transferred to Sri Lanka.
"Initially, all full members, media rights holders, and in-stadium rights holders were hesitant to commit to hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan." "This reluctance stemmed from concerns about the country's security and economic situation," Shah explained.
In response, Afridi reminded the audience of the events that Pakistan has hosted in the last six years, while also stating that the country is ready to host the Champions Trophy in 2023.
"I got across Mr @JayShah's comments about Pakistan's security situation. To refresh his memory, in the last six years, Pakistan has hosted the following international players/teams.:
2017 - ICC World XI & SL
2018 - WI
2019 - WI (W), BD (W) & SL
2020 - BD, PSL, MCC & Zim
2021 - WI, PSL, SA & WI
2022 - Aus, PSL, WI, BD U19, Ireland (W) & Eng (2),
2023 - NZ (2), PSL, Women's Exhibition Matches, #AsiaCup2023 (Nep, SL, Afg & BD) & SA (W)," wrote Afridi on X (formerly known as Twitter).
"Have no doubts, Mr Shah, Pakistan is ready to host the @BCCI at the #ICCChampionsTrophy2025," he said.
The Pakistan cricket team landed in Colombo on Thursday ahead of their Asia Cup Super 4 second-round match against India.
Pakistan would like to keep their unblemished record in the Asia Cup after defeating Bangladesh on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Indian team has started preparing for their second match against the arch-rivals.
The match between India and Pakistan in the group stage was called off owing to rain, with both sides earning one point apiece. The Indian team struggled in the game against Pakistan's pace attack, particularly Shaheen Afridi, who took four wickets.
India were bowled out for 266 in 48.5 overs, with Hardik Pandya's 87 and Ishan Kishan's 82 assisting the side in reaching a reasonable total.