'Bahut Acha Jawab': Shahid Afridi Praises Rohit Sharma for Positive Statement on India vs Pakistan Bilateral Cricket Ties

Rohit Sharma (left) and Shahid Afridi. (PTI Photo)

Rohit Sharma’s recent comment on Pakistan Test team as he advocated for the resumption of bilateral cricket ties between the two nations have impressed the legendary Shahid Afridi who praised the Indian captain for his ‘positive’ statement.

During a conversation on YouTube show ‘Club Prairie Fire’ podcast that also featured Adam Gilchrist and Michael Vaughan, Rohit said a Test match between India and Pakistan will produce a good contest and didn’t see any reason why the two teams shouldn’t compete against each other.

Afridi echoes Rohit’s views and feels that cricket has and will continue to play a major role in maintaining good relationship between India and Pakistan.

“Bilkul bahut acha jawab hai, hona bhi yahi chahiye (That’s a really good answer, it should happen),” Afridi said on Samaa TV.

He continued, “It’s a positive statement from an Indian captain. He’s also an ambassador of India. We have always said the relationship between Pakistan and India, especially cricket, has played an important role in it. We used to go to India and play cricket there. These things build relationship. Padosi hai padosiyo ka haq hota relationship jitna behtar ho utna acha hai (Neighbours have a right to maintain good relationship).”

Due to the diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, the bilateral cricket ties between the two nations have been suspended and the two teams only compete against each other either at ICC events or at a continental tournament.

During the podcast, Rohit had expressed his wish to face Pakistan in Test cricket.

“I totally believe that they (Pakistan) are a good team, superb bowling line-up, good contest, if we play overseas. The last Test was played way back in 2007-08. Yeah, I would love to (play against Pakistan), it would be a great contest between two sides. We play them in ICC trophies, pure cricket I am looking at, great contest, so why not?” he said.