Veteran all-rounder Shahid Afridi believes Pakistan can go to India and play a series but only after the country’s Cricket Board (PCB) gets written guarantees from its Indian counterpart (BCCI). “We can go and play in India but I back the stance of the PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan that we first need written guarantees from the Indian board about everything,” Afridi said.
His comments were in response to media reports that the BCCI has said it was willing to host the planned bilateral series with Pakistan in December but on a 50-50 revenue sharing basis. The BCCI made it clear yesterday that it was not in favour of either playing the December series in Pakistan or UAE but it could be held in India.
“I remember the last time we went to India in 2012-13 they (BCCI) earned in crores of rupees and we got nothing,” Afridi told Geo Super channel . “But this time if the Indian board gives in writing they will give revenues to Pakistan if the series is held in India than it can be done,” he said.
He noted that while revival of cricketing ties between India and Pakistan was important and the PCB had also been trying its best to have the series in December, it was the BCCI which had delayed the matter. Afridi, who is also the national T20 captain, made it clear that he had no regrets about deciding to retire from ODIs after the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this year.
“There are no regrets because my decision to retire was taken at the right time. I don’t think it is advisable to carry on playing in any format if you are not enjoying it,” he said. Afridi also said that although he continued to play T20 cricket but the moment he felt he couldn’t contribute as a player or captain or didn’t enjoy the format he would retire.
“I don’t ever want to be a burden on the team; that is not the way I have played cricket all my life,” he said.
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