How should Pakistan take on India in CT clash, Afridi shares advice

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has said that India should have participated in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, as teams from around the world are arriving for the tournament, Express News reported.

Speaking at an event, Afridi expressed disappointment over India’s absence but urged the Pakistan team to focus on defeating them whenever they meet.

"If all teams are coming to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, India should have come too," Afridi said. "Now that they have decided not to, what more can I say?"

Afridi said the debate over India skipping the tournament was now irrelevant and that Pakistan’s focus should be on winning against them wherever they play.

"India not coming is old news now. What matters is that our team should defeat them wherever they face off and give the nation a moment of pride," he said.

He emphasised the responsibility on Pakistan’s players to deliver strong performances, adding that "victory unites the entire country under one flag."

The former captain also hinted at concerns over some squad selections but chose to remain tight-lipped for now. "There are a few players in the 15-member squad whose backgrounds I am aware of, but we’ll talk about that later. Right now, the focus is on the Champions Trophy," he remarked.

Advising the team, Afridi stressed that all competing nations have arrived well-prepared and that Pakistan must excel in batting, bowling, and fielding to succeed in the tournament.