The India vs Pakistan rivalry sometimes goes off the field too. In addition to the intensity on the field, the poking and antics continue off the field as well. Who can forget the exchanges between Virender Sehwag and Shoaib Akhtar, or even Harbhajan Singh. Now, during the IPL, another Pakistani great Shahid Afridi was in the sights of former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina. While doing commentary during IPL 2024, Rain was asked if he would return from his retirement.
“Suresh Raina hu, Shahid Afridi nahi,” said Raina, who last played for India in 2018, in response as fellow commentators burst into laughter. He retired in 2020.
Shahid Afridi after announcing his retirement from the Pakistan national team, made a U-turn and made a lot of noise.
Shahid Afridi be like pta nhi aise dangerous situation mein khud hi kyun aage aa jata hun. Suresh Raina owned a Pakistani #iplcricket pic.twitter.com/YUbAOjAIfW
— (@abhi7781_) May 21, 2024
Meanwhile, with the T20 World Cup about to begin, Pakistan are trying to secure the services of West Indies icon Viv Richards as the team’s mentor for the landmark event. There are ten days until the World Cup starts in the USA and the West Indies. The event will be historic as 20 teams will participate in the tournament for the first time since its inception. Ahead of the tournament, Pakistan are looking to hire Richards as a team mentor, according to Geo News sources.
According to sources, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in talks with the former West Indies batting maestro.
The former West Indies star has vast experience as well as knowledge of how to play in the Caribbean.
The PCB’s decision to bring in Richards is also believed to be inspired by the 72-year-old’s impact on the Pakistan Super League. Richards serves as a mentor for the PSL franchise Quetta Gladiators.
However, the PCB faces a major challenge in bringing Richards in due to its existing media commitments for the event.
Pakistan have completely revamped their white-ball setup since the departure of former director of cricket Mohammad Hafeez earlier this year.
Last month, former South African cricketer Gary Kirsten was announced as head coach of limited-overs cricket.
It was under his reign that Pakistan’s arch-rivals India lifted the 2011 World Cup trophy in their homeland and ended their 28-year wait. India also became the number one team in the ICC Test rankings during his stint.
Kirsten recently arrived in Leeds and joined the ‘Men in Green’ ahead of the four-match T20I series against England.
The 56-year-old will look to inspire the Pakistan team to World Cup glory. The upcoming four-match series against England will help them prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
With ANI inputs
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