Yuvraj and Afridi discuss possibility of Indo-Pak rivalry
Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi advocated the idea of reinstating the Indo-Pak bilateral series clash. Indian legend Yuvraj Singh also supported the suggestion as both the cricketers marked their presence at the Expo 2020 Dubai Cricket Finale. The duo spoke about the prospect of cricket between the two nations. Here's what they asserted.
Indo-Pak cricket matches better for sport: Yuvraj
"I remember playing against Pakistan in 2004, 2006 and 2008. These days, it's enough of that. We play cricket for the love of the sport. The more India v Pakistan cricket there is, the better it is for the sport," Yuvraj told Sport360.
India-Pak series could be bigger than Ashes: Afridi
"If India and Pakistan were to have a series, it will be something bigger than the Ashes. However, We are letting politics get in the way of people's love for this sport and their wish to come together," Afridi stated.
The two teams only play each other in multilateral tournaments
The last time India played Pakistan in a bilateral ODI series was back in 2012-13. Pakistan toured India in December 2012 for two T20Is and three ODIs. While the T20I series was drawn, Pakistan clinched the ODI series 2-1. Besides, the two teams played their last bilateral Test series in 2007-08 when hosts India beat them 1-0.
The possibility of a series still looks bleak
With the political tensions between the two nations constantly brewing up, the chances of any future bilateral series seem minimal. The arch-rivals could now lock horns in the Asia Cup which is scheduled to take place in September. The ACC had earlier allotted Pakistan the hosting rights for 2020 edition. However, India's reluctance to travel there could see the tournament shifting to UAE.
