Pakistan’s top-order batter Ahmed Shehzad has proposed an unconventional idea to revive cricketing ties between Pakistan and India amid the ongoing political tensions between the two nations.
Known for his candid remarks, Shehzad suggested constructing a stadium along the Pakistan-India border, where players could enter from respective sides without crossing into each other’s territory. “I proposed building a stadium on the border, with one gate facing India and the other towards Pakistan. Players could enter from their respective sides and play,” he explained during a podcast.
However, he added a touch of sarcasm, noting the potential obstacles such a plan would face, particularly from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian government. “Even then, the BCCI and their government would have issues. When their players come from our side, they would need visas, which they won’t get,” Shehzad quipped.
The idea surfaced after the recent diplomatic tensions, especially following India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Initially, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was firm about hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan. However, the PCB later shifted its stance, declaring that if India didn’t come to Pakistan, they wouldn’t send their team to India for any events.
As a result, the ICC confirmed on December 19 that the Champions Trophy 2025 would adopt a hybrid model, with India playing their matches at a neutral venue. This model will apply to ICC events from 2024 to 2027, meaning both teams will play at neutral venues for events held in either country.
India has not visited Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup due to long-standing political issues, while Pakistan has made four trips to India in the last 16 years, including their most recent visit for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.
