Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has reacted to Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s statement regarding the resumption of bilateral Test series between the arch-rivals.

Rohit Sharma recently commented on the potency of the Test series with Pakistan during an appearance on the Club Prairie Fire podcast, saying that he would ‘love’ to play against the arch-rivals on a regular basis.

His statement was welcomed by Afridi, stating that bilateral series between Pakistan and India can play a significant role in the relationship between the neighbouring countries.

“Great reply. The series needs to be scheduled. An encouraging word from the Indian captain,” Afridi said while talking to a local channel.

“It is also the case that he represents India. As we have always stated, sports, particularly cricket, have had a significant influence on the relationship between Pakistan and India.

“In the past, we toured India to play cricket. These activities build relationships, and it is the right of neighbours to get along.”

The Indian captain regarded the Pakistan bowling attack as a formidable force in world cricket while responding to a question in the Club Prairie Fire podcast, co-hosted by former England captain Michael Vaughan and former Australian prolific opener Adam Gilchrist.

He said that it would be a good contest if the two teams faced each other at a neutral venue.

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“Do you think Test between Pakistan and India could benefit the longest format of the game hugely and it would be fantastic for Test cricket?” asked Michael Vaughan.

Rohit Sharma did not hesitate to answer and said, “I totally believe that, they (Pakistan) are a good team. They have got superb bowling line-up. I think I will be a good contest especially if you play in overseas conditions, it will be awesome,”

He said that Pakistan and India last played Test cricket against each other way back in 2007.

“I would love to,” Rohit Sharma replied when asked by Michael Vaughan if he would like to play the Test series against Pakistan regularly.

“At the end of the day, we want to be in contest and I think it will be a great contest between the two sides. We anyway play them in ICC trophies, so it doesn’t really matter. It’s just pure cricket that I’m looking at.

“I’m not interested in anything else. It’s pure cricket game between bat and ball. It’ll be a great contest, so why not.”

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan and India have not played a Test since 2007/08 and a bilateral series in any format since 2012/13 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

The fierce rivals, however, only came face to face in multi-national events like Asia Cup and ICC World Cups.

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