Overview:
Afridi was part of Pakistan Legends in the World Championship of Legends, where India Legends refused to compete against the arch-rivals on two occasions.
Shahid Afridi has made a statement on his government’s decision to boycott the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 match against India. The two teams are scheduled to take on each other on 15 February, but the Men in Green have been asked to skip the contest as a mark of protest against the ICC decision to remove Bangladesh from the global tournament.
The Pakistan Cricket Board supported Bangladesh in their stance of wanting their World Cup matches to be relocated from India to Sri Lanka. However, their request was rejected, and Scotland replaced the sub-continent team.
Afridi, who has often urged keeping politics and sports separate, expressed regret over Pakistan’s decision to opt out of the game against Pakistan, but he also backed his government’s call.
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“I’ve always believed cricket can open doors when politics closes them. Regrettably, Pakistan won’t play India at the #T20WorldCup, but I stand behind my government’s decision. This is the moment for @ICC to lead and prove through decisions, not statements, that it is impartial, independent, and fair to every member,” Afridi wrote on X.
Afridi was part of Pakistan Legends in the World Championship of Legends, where India Legends refused to compete against the arch-rivals on two occasions.
“Sports bring people closer but politics can ruin everything. One rotten egg can spoil everything,” Afridi had said while taking a dig at Shikhar Dhawan after he spoke against Pakistan.
It is bizarre that Afridi is now in favour of the political interference of Pakistan’s government ahead of the World Cup.