On Saturday, Indian batting prodigy Virat Kohli received unqualified admiration from his former captain of Pakistan, Shahid Afridi, for his indicated desire to visit Pakistan.

At a tape-ball event in Karachi, Afridi boldly stated that he did not find Kohli's gesture surprising.

It was exactly what I anticipated Virat to say. Whether Virat plays for the Indian team or in the PSL, I welcome him, Afridi remarked.

For those who don't know, in a 2022 video call with Pakistani mountaineer Shehroze Kashif, Virat Kohli expressed his wish to visit the country.

"Send my best wishes to your entire family and circle of friends. Speaking to Kashif, Kohli stated, "Hopefully, we will visit Pakistan soon; everyone has started visiting now."

In the meantime, Shahid Afridi gave Saim Ayub, the youthful opening batsman, encouragement and showed faith in his abilities.

"Saim is incredibly talented. I'm hoping he does well. Afridi stated, "Pakistan needs a batsman who can perform well in the first six overs.

Ayub is presently in England with the Pakistani team, where they will take on the host country in a four-match Twenty20 International series that begins on May 22.

The national men’s cricket team arrived here on Wednesday, having won the three-match series against Ireland 2-1.

The Pakistani side will fly out to the United States of America (USA) to play in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 after the England series concludes.

On June 4, the 2009 champions will play co-host USA. On June 9, they will play fierce rivals India.