Constructing a Stadium at the Pakistan-India Border and Keeping the Game Alive - Brad Hogg, A Criczop Exclusive

During his recent live session with the Criczop writer, the topic of the 2025 Champions Trophy, particularly the issue of India’s reluctance to play in Pakistan due to political and security concerns, came up. His response, while laced with sarcasm, provided an interesting perspective on how sports could transcend politics.

He began by stating that "politics is politics," and that it should be kept out of the game, emphasizing that sports have always had the power to bring people together. He acknowledged the controversy surrounding the issue but highlighted how people from India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka often come together for the love of cricket without any political tension, which speaks volumes about the unifying power of the sport. His message was clear—he would love to see India playing in Pakistan and believed it would be a great spectacle for the fans. However, he was quick to stress the importance of security, noting that the safety of the players is a Priority.

In a rather direct and candid way, he turned the question back on the writer, asking, "As an Indian, would you want your players to visit there?" His response was firm and to the point: the game should go on, irrespective of the situation, especially with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) agreeing to a hybrid model for the tournament.

Then came his solution, which was delivered with a good dose of humour but carried an underlying serious message. He proposed a rather unconventional, albeit sarcastic, idea to resolve the issue—why not build two stadiums right across the India-Pakistan border? His idea was to have a stadium that straddles both countries, allowing fans from both sides to come together and enjoy the game. He suggested that the stadium could be split down the middle, with one-half of the pitch catering to the conditions suited to Pakistan and the other half designed to suit India’s preferences. This way, both countries would have a home-ground advantage, and the contest would be fair and square.

While the idea of a dual-nation stadium across the border is not feasible, it was a playful yet insightful way to underscore the desire for cricket to continue despite political tensions. The solution he proposed was simple: if both nations could find a way to collaborate, they could ensure that the game goes on, and fans from both sides could come together to enjoy what is arguably the greatest rivalry in cricket.