Countries Once Divided...

Shahid Afridi's Big Appeal To BCCI Amid Champions Trophy Row

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has made a passionate appeal to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reconsider its decision to pull out of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in the wake of the Pulwama attack.

Afridi, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders of all time, said that it would be a "tragedy" if the tournament was not held in Pakistan as scheduled.

"The Champions Trophy is a major event in the cricketing calendar, and it would be a shame if it was not held in Pakistan," Afridi said. "Pakistan is a cricket-loving nation, and the people here are very passionate about the game.

Afridi stressed the importance of cricket in bringing people together, especially in the current climate of tension between India and Pakistan.

"Cricket has always been a bridge between India and Pakistan," Afridi said. "It is a game that brings people together, and it can help to ease tensions between our two countries.

The BCCI has so far refused to budge on its decision to pull out of the Champions Trophy, but Afridi hopes that the board will reconsider its stance.

"I urge the BCCI to reconsider its decision and allow the Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan," Afridi said. "It would be a great opportunity for India and Pakistan to come together and show the world that we can coexist peacefully.

The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from June 14 to 23.