'Does It Hurl Fire Or Is It Haunted?': Shahid Afridi Slams PCB For Refusing To Play In Ahmedabad

Legendary Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi believes Pakistan cricket team should accept the challenge and beat hosts at their home in front of a jam-packed crowd.

Before the World Cup, India and Pakistan will square off in the 2023 edition of Asia Cup.

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India vs Pakistan 2023: One of the greatest spin all-rounders of all time, ex-Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi questioned Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over their reluctance to play an ODI World Cup 2023 match against arch-nemesis India at the world's largest cricket stadium in Hyderabad. While India vs Pakistan 2023 ODI World Cup match will most likely take place at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarat, PCB chief Najam Sethi expressed his reluctance at playing at the venue, citing security issues and other reasons.

Legendary Pak player Afridi believes Pakistan cricket team should accept the challenge and beat team India at their home in front of a jam-packed crowd.

"Why are they declining to play on Ahmedabad pitches? Does it hurl fire or is it haunted?. Go and play-go, play and win. If these are the foreseen challenges, then the only way to overcome them is through a comprehensive victory. What matters at the end of the day is Pakistan team's win.

"The crux only and only lies in there. Take this rather positively. If they [India] are comfortable there, you should go, pull a victory in front of packed Indian crowd and show them what you got," Afridi was quoted as saying by CricketPakistan.com to a local news channel.

Before the World Cup, India and Pakistan will square off in the 2023 edition of Asia Cup. On 15th June (Friday), the Asia Cricket Council (ACC) released the schedule of Asia Cup 2023, set to be played in ODI format. The tournament will be held from 31 August to 17 September. Pakistan will host only four matches, while the remaining nine matches will be played in Sri Lanka. 

India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Nepal are the nations participating in Asia Cup 2023. A total of 13 matches, including the final, will be played in the tournament. All teams are divided into two groups of 6 teams each.