The decision on Champions Trophy has finally been confirmed by ICC that India-Pakistan matches will be played in a neutral venue but the frustration over India’s refusal doesn’t seem to end. Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad has come up with a quirky notion to solve the travel and politics issues between India and Pakistan. He suggested constructing a stadium on the border and having separate entrances, that way both teams will still be able to enter through those entrances without crossing each other’s borders. Perhaps travel restrictions may not even create a political issue.
Frustration Over India’s Refusal To Travel To Pakistan
Shehzad showed visible frustration over the issues between the two countries. He spoke particularly about the Indian decision not to join the 2023 Champions Trophy, which is supposed to be held in Pakistan. He had a direct kick at the BCCI and the Indian government for holding this view, which lost the Pakistan Cricket Board a golden opportunity to host India on their soil.
“Build A Stadium On The Border”: Says Shehzad
“Build a stadium on the border. One gate should open in India, the other in Pakistan. Their players can come from there, our players can go from here. But again, I think BCCI or the Indian government will have an issue. They’ll say that when our player comes to the field on your side, we’ll not give him a visa for that,” Shahzad said.
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Missed Chance For PCB
“Pakistan had a golden chance to host India. All cricket boards had signed the agreement in 2021 that Pakistan will host the Champions Trophy. ICC cannot back off,” Shahzad said.
“PCB has missed the chance I think. We should forget that the Indian team will ever come to Pakistan now. Just forget it. The only way you could have brought India here was by an ICC event,” Shahzad said.
Hybrid Model For Champions Trophy
On the Nadir Ali podcast, Shehzad was asked about his views on India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. The issue, which had been a point of contention for months, was resolved when the ICC confirmed on Thursday that the 2025 Champions Trophy will be played in a hybrid format. According to this deal, India will play all its games at a neutral venue while Pakistan will also host the matches in neutral locations for the tournaments taking place in India till 2027.
Impact On Future Tournaments
The ICC’s decision also affects future cricket events, with India and Sri Lanka set to co-host the 2026 T20 World Cup. Shehzad’s comments reflect the broader frustration within Pakistan over the ongoing difficulties in hosting international cricket events due to political tensions with neighboring India.
