Outspoken former captain Shahid Afridi stressed positive messages should be stressed through cricket with Pakistan doing this repeatedly but India does not show the will to do so.
The 48-year-old Afridi was in Muzaffarabad to mark Kashmir Day on the Pakistan side of the border.
Pakistan has shown remarkable positivity and toured India on several occasions but India has not responded positively. If you do not have the will, like India, you cannot do that positive thing.
India has stalled all bilateral cricket against Pakistan in the wake of 2008 terror attacks on their commercial hub Mumbai, blaming militants based across the border.
The arch-rivals only play in multi-national events like World Cups. The forthcoming Champions Trophy is going to be played on a hybrid model after New Delhi refused to send its team to the host country over political tension.
India will now play its matches in Dubai plus the semi-final. The venue of the final will also depend on India’s qualification. If India qualifies it will be in Dubai and if not, in Lahore.
I am a strong believer in sports diplomacy. It can help build relationships but for that you have to have that will.
Pakistan also toured India for the ODI World Cup in 2023. Afridi said Pakistan will always support the struggle of Kashmiris in the Indian administered part of the Valley.
We have that love for Kashmiris in our blood so we will continue to support them in their fight for freedom. I have seen a strong interest in cricket in the Indian side of Kashmir and there is good talent there.
Afridi has been part of the Kashmir Premier League held in 2021 and 2022. He wished teams from both sides would play each other.
If I have the power, I can hold a T20 league in Srinagar and play my part as a mentor, coach or even a player. It will send positive vibes around the world. If opportunities are given to them, they can break into their national teams.
Pakistan recently played Kashmir boy Sufiyan Moqeem in the white-ball squad while another spinning allrounder Mehran Mumtaz is also knocking at the doors of international cricket.
Fast bowler Salman Irshad, who hails from Rawalakot, Poonch district in Kashmir, regularly features in Pakistan Super League.
I am confident that if you give two things to the youth of Kashmir then problems will be solved. One thing is education and the other thing is sports. These two things can change their lives. I am ready to play my part in any positive thing.