Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has extended a gesture of goodwill towards the Indian cricket team as uncertainty surrounds the latter’s visit to their neighbouring country for this year’s Asia Cup.

While talking to ARY News, Afridi said that Pakistan is ready to welcome India if they come and play Asia Cup in Pakistan.

“We will welcome India if they come to Pakistan to play the Asia Cup 2020. I think we have always welcomed them in Pakistan. Cricket, in fact, sports is the only way to bridge gaps between countries,” said Afridi.

Responding to a question about Asia Cup’s hosting rights, Afridi said: “I think it’s a decision of Asian Cricket Council, let’s see what happens. Whoever hosts the event, cricket should continue.”

It must be noted that, earlier, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had made it clear they will not participate in the Asia Cup, if the tournament takes place in Pakistan.

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Although, while speaking to Indo-Asian News Service (IANS), a BCCI official said that Indian board is open to the idea of playing at a neutral venue.

While speaking in an exclusive chat with Cricket Pakistan last week, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Executive Wasim Khan had said that Pakistan is considering playing the Asia Cup matches against India at a neutral venue.

“Under the current circumstances we do not think they [India] will come to Pakistan. We have the option of playing in the UAE in this regard,” said Wasim.

BCCI also hosted the 2018 Asia Cup in UAE because of strained political relations between Pakistan and India, which made it difficult to obtain visas for the Men in Green players to play in India.