Pakistan opening batter Ahmed Shehzad floated an unconventional idea to facilitate cricket matches between arch-rivals India and Pakistan amidst ongoing political tensions.
Speaking on a podcast, Shehzad proposed building a stadium at the border of the two nations, enabling players to enter directly from their respective sides without crossing into each other’s territories.
“When I did a podcast, I suggested the idea of building a stadium by the border. One gate would be towards India, the other gate would be towards Pakistan. The players would come from the respective gates and play," said Shehzad.
However, he acknowledged the potential logistical and diplomatic challenges.
“But even then there would be issues for the BCCI and their government. When their players come to the field by our side, they would need visas which they would not get," he added.
The two neighbouring nations have faced each other exclusively in ICC events due to ongoing political tensions.
They have not engaged in a bilateral series since the 2012-13 season.
It is pertinent to mention that the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 will be played across hosts Pakistan and neutral venue, confirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday.
This decision is part of a broader arrangement where matches between India and Pakistan at ICC events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at neutral locations, ensuring logistical and security feasibility.
The ‘fusion formula’ will apply to major ICC tournaments after Champions Trophy, including the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (to be hosted by India) and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka).
Under this formula, the knockout stage matches, including the final, will be played at neutral venue if India and Pakistan qualify.
- Ahmed Shehzad
