Bilateral series should happen between India and Pakistan: Sarfaraz Ahmed

Sarfaraz Ahmed advocates for resumption of India-Pakistan cricket series, emphasising friendship between players and support from fans.

Former Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed batted for the resumption of a bilateral series between his side and India. The 37-year-old led his outfit to the 2017 Champions Trophy crown, beating India comprehensively in the summit clash.

“Bilateral series should happen between the two countries. In 2005, there was a series. People talk about the rivalry, but off the field, I have not seen a better friendship between players of two countries,” said Sarfaraz, speaking to reporters on Sunday, February 23, 2025.

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“I will tell you a general view of the Pakistani people: they want to see the Indian team in Pakistan. Our people want to see Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah. They love them a lot. You saw how packed it was for England and Australia (on Saturday). Both teams got a lot of support. In this tournament, it did not happen, but I hope in future, India will come to Pakistan.”

“In 2008, in the Asia Cup, which I was a part of, the Indian team came to Pakistan. The people love and respect Indian cricketers a lot. In the last seven to eight years, cricket has come back to Pakistan. Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, Pat Cummins, all the top stars of the world have played. Everything is safe.”

Meanwhile, Sarfaraz also backed the under-fire Babar Azam and felt that the latter should look to bat as long as possible, holding fort at one end.

“Babar Azam is a different player. I think they should set up the team in a way that Babar Azam can play full 50 overs like Virat Kohli does for India. He takes time in the beginning and then runs the game.”