Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma: A Pakistani Invitation for a Farewell Tour
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of the most celebrated batters in modern cricket, have a massive fan following worldwide. However, Pakistan remains the only country where they have never played an international match. The political tensions between India and Pakistan have prevented bilateral cricket series since 2012-13.
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has extended an invitation to Kohli and Sharma to visit Pakistan before they retire. Akmal believes that the love and appreciation they would receive in Pakistan would be unparalleled.
“Virat and Rohit should visit Pakistan before they retire,” Akmal told Times of India. “These two are stars of world cricket, traveling across the globe to play the game. Every single fan loves them. They have a massive fan base due to their batting and match-winning performances. The fan following they will experience in Pakistan will surpass anything they’ve seen elsewhere.”
Kohli toured Pakistan in his U-19 days, but he was not as well-known then. Akmal believes that Kohli’s popularity in Pakistan would be immense.
“Virat is a role model for many around the world, Rohit is the World Cup-winning captain, and Bumrah is currently the best pacer in the world,” Akmal added. “When players like Virat, Rohit, and Bumrah visit Pakistan, it will evoke unique feelings in every fan.”
Akmal also claimed that Pakistani fans love Indian players more than their own players.
“If Virat visits Pakistan now, he will truly see his popularity here,” Akmal said. “He will receive a different kind of support in Pakistan. No cricketer is more popular than Virat in Pakistan; he has a bigger fan-following than any other cricketer in the world. Pakistani fans love Virat, Rohit, and Bumrah more than any of their own cricket team players.”
