Shahid Afridi rebukes Jay Shah's 'security concern' remark with roaster of cricket guests in past six years

BCCI secretary and ACC president Jay Shah has recently shared a statement, where he clarified that multiple teams, including the broadcasters and the stakeholders, hesitated to host the entire Asia Cup 2023 in Pakistan because of security and economic concerns. 

Hence, Sri Lanka has been given the right to host the maximum number of matches but there has been a lot of controversy regarding that as well. Rain has played a spoilsport in the Sri Lanka leg of the tournament and based on the same, former and current PCB chairman, Najam Sethi and Zaka Ashraf have criticised Shah and the latter even demanded monetary compensation for a poor turnout in Lanka.

Shahid Afridi became the latest person to take a dig at Shah. The former cricketer reminded that Pakistan hosted multiple international teams in the last six years and hence, believes that Shah’s comments are out of proportion and vague. On the other hand, Afridi also extended his greetings and stated that Pakistan is ready to host the Indian team in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.

“I came across @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,” Afridi tweeted.

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 –…

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) September 6, 2023

Pakistan to challenge India on September 10

Meanwhile, the situation is about to get tense in the coming days as Pakistan will be hosting India on September 10 in Colombo. The league game was called off due to rain and hence, both teams will be eager to get the job done this time around.

For India, KL Rahul is expected to make his comeback in the playing XI while Pakistan will be concerned about Fakhar Zaman’s form. As there is a chance of rain, the toss might once again play an important part in the match.