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'He will forget the...' - Former Pakistan player Shahid Afridi's big statement on Virat Kohli ahead of Champions Trophy 2025

Former legendary Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi has issued a big statement on India star Virat Kohli ahead of Champions Trophy 2025 which is supposed to be hosted by Pakistan.

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Arunima Purohit
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Virat Kohli

Shahid Afridi and Virat Kohli (Source: X)

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The modern-day great and India star batter Virat Kohli is one of the most-loved cricketers in the world. He has a great perspective on the game and life, which keeps him one step ahead of others. In India, people have massive respect for him due to the heroics he has done for the country. Now that the Champions Trophy schedule is out and India are supposed to travel to Pakistan, former player Shahid Afridi said that Virat Kohli should come and play in Pakistan to see the kind of support and fan following he has in the neighbouring country. 

"Virat will forget the love he has received in India when he would play in Pakistan. He has a huge craze in Pakistan and our people like him very much. In fact, he is my favourite player. He has his own class and he shouldn't have retired from T20Is as because of him T20I looked beautiful," said Shahid Afridi on News24 Sports' YouTube channel.

Also Read: Salman Butt wants apex cricket body to ensure India’s participation in CT 2025

While talking about IPL, Afridi appreciated the tournament for finding talented players and giving them a chance. Meanwhile, Pakistan's performance was quite poor in the recent T20 World Cup, where they were out of the tournament even before reaching the Super 8 stage. Babar Azam has been under much criticism ever since.

India to not travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2024

Ahead of the Champions Trophy 2024, India will most likely not travel to Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will inform the ICC of this decision. As per reports, India might suggest a hybrid model to be followed like the one that happened during the Asia Cup 2023. Travelling to Pakistan isn't the safest option for the team, and the government will not let the players go to the neighbouring country. 

"In the case of Champions Trophy, we will do whatever the government of India will tell us to do. We send out a team only when the government of India permits us. So we will go according to the government's decision, " said Rajeev Shukla, the BCCI Vice-President. 

Virat Kohli India Pakistan Shahid Afridi
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