Former Pakistani cricket captain Shahid Afridi has responded to concerns raised by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah regarding Pakistan’s “security” situation. In a tweet, Afridi highlighted the numerous international events and teams Pakistan has successfully hosted recently, underscoring the country’s readiness to host the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. This exchange follows the decision to co-host the Asia Cup 2023 in Pakistan and Sri Lanka after initial hesitations regarding security.
Shahid Afridi’s response to Jay Shah’s security concerns was a comprehensive list of international events and teams Pakistan has hosted over the past six years. The list included many cricketing events, from ICC tournaments to bilateral series and domestic leagues. Afridi emphasized Pakistan’s track record of successfully hosting foreign players and teams in various game formats.
Afridi’s list showcased significant hosting achievements by Pakistan, including the ICC World XI tour in 2017, bilateral series with West Indies, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) tournaments. Additionally, Pakistan hosted teams like Australia, South Africa, England, and Ireland, further illustrating the country’s capabilities as a cricketing host.
Shahid Afridi’s tweet concluded with a firm assurance that Pakistan is ready to host the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. This statement reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to hosting international cricket events and its desire to provide a secure and welcoming environment for players and teams worldwide.
I came across Mr JayShah’s statement about 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 & 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). Have no doubts Mr Shah, Pakistan is ready to host @BCCI at the #ICCChampionsTrophy2025
I came across Mr @JayShah’s statement about security situation in Pakistan. Just to refresh his memory, Pakistan has hosted the following foreign players/teams in the past six years:
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) September 6, 2023
2017 – ICC World XI & SL
2018 – WI
2019 – WI (W), BD (W) & SL
2020 – BD, PSL, MCC & Zim
2021 –…
Shahid Afridi’s response serves as a reminder of Pakistan’s successful hosting history and its determination to continue welcoming international cricket to its shores. While security concerns are always paramount, Pakistan’s track record of safely hosting numerous events in recent years underscores its readiness to take on the challenge of hosting future ICC tournaments.
Afridi’s message highlights Pakistan’s hosting achievements. It invites the BCCI and other cricketing nations to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, reinforcing the spirit of international cricket and sportsmanship.
