Cricket at crossroads. Keep egos in check…’: Afridi attacks India without taking names for Champions Trophy row

Shahid Afridi has hit out at the Indian cricket board for its decision to not participate in a bilateral series against Pakistan.

The former Pakistan captain, in a video message on social media, said that the Indian board was putting its ego before the game.

“It is unfortunate that the Indian cricket board has decided not to play a bilateral series against Pakistan. This is a big blow to cricket fans on both sides of the border,” Afridi said.

“The Indian board is putting its ego before the game. They are saying that they will not play against Pakistan until the political situation improves. But this is not the way to go about it. Cricket should be kept separate from politics,” he added.

Afridi said that the Indian board’s decision was also unfair to the Pakistan cricket team.

“The Pakistan cricket team has been playing very well in recent times. They have won the Champions Trophy and are ranked number one in the world in T20 cricket. The Indian board’s decision is denying them the opportunity to play against one of the best teams in the world,” he said.

Afridi also said that the Indian board’s decision was setting a bad precedent.

“If the Indian board is allowed to get away with this, then other boards will also start to cancel bilateral series against Pakistan. This will be a very bad thing for cricket,” he said.

Afridi urged the Indian board to reconsider its decision and to put the game of cricket first.

“I urge the Indian board to reconsider its decision and to put the game of cricket first. Cricket is a sport that brings people together. It should not be used to divide people,” he said.

The Indian cricket board has not yet responded to Afridi’s comments.