The suggestion was first made by Australia’s two-time World Cup winner Brad Hough, who in his very honest, if somewhat simplistic, way of talking about his brainwaves.
Hugh had suggested that India and Pakistan build a cricket stadium on the border jointly owned or owned by both, where they could participate in cricket tournaments, which was very passionate not only for both countries but for the entire cricketverse.
But a day after the ICC announced a hybrid model for future India-Pakistan matches – always neutral venues, neither traveling to the other side, former Pakistan player Ahmed Shehzad created a satirical mock-up with an imaginary stadium structure.
He hinted that half of the field – the leg or off side – might not be protected as the Indians would refuse visas to Pakistani fielders.
Even as Pakistani TV channels debated whether it was W or L for Pakistan, Shahzad went on Nadir Ali’s podcast and proposed, “The border should have a stadium with one gate in India and the other in Pakistan. Their players can enter from there and our cricketers from here. So far, so good.
However he was quickly cut by the reality of the situation as he added in a breathless breath that the BCCI would not allow it. “I think the BCCI and the Indian government will have a problem with this. If our players come to the side of the ground, they will not give them visas,” he said sarcastically.
Many in the Pakistani media see the hybrid model and the written assurance as a tit-for-tat win, that if the Indians refuse to tour Pakistan, the Pakistani team will not travel either. However, there is general disappointment in the final that India will not get a foothold in Pakistan in the Champions Trophy. However in his own unique style, Shehzad took offense to his refusal to field either leg or the off side.
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