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Warwickshire chief: Edgbaston very interested in becoming neutral venue for India v Pakistan series

Markhor

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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/40132478

Edgbaston is "very interested" in becoming a neutral venue for Pakistan and India matches, says Warwickshire chief executive Neil Snowball. The Asian neighbours, who have not played a bilateral series since 2013, meet in the ICC Champions Trophy at the ground in Birmingham on Sunday.

The match could have been "sold out six times over" in a city whose population is almost 20% Pakistani or Indian.

"We have the experience of handling it," Snowball told BBC Sport.

"It is not the sort of game you can take anywhere because it is a completely unique match with a completely unique collection of fans and atmosphere. If they wanted this game at a neutral venue, I would hope they would consider Edgbaston - we would be very interested in looking at that."

Edgbaston has twice previously hosted the two nations - whose rivalry is described as being "bigger than the Ashes" - both times in the Champions Trophy, with honours even one apiece.

Sunday's match is estimated to bring in more than £5m to Birmingham's economy, with more than £25m projected over five ICC Champions Trophy games - including a semi-final. Its worth goes beyond that, however, as the event - including its ability to host a match of the magnitude of India v Pakistan - is being used to showcase a city bidding to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

"Cricket is massive for Birmingham and we know it is huge for the Commonwealth, so it is front and centre for us," said Jacqui Kennedy, corporate director of Birmingham City Council.

Kennedy also confirmed the council would be "interested and happy to have the conversation" about making Birmingham a neutral city for future matches between India and Pakistan.


For Birmingham, cricket is big business. Nicola Hewitt, commercial director of West Midlands Growth Company, admits the impact of Sunday's game is unquantifiable as imports and exports are influenced by pictures of the city being aired to the estimated billion people watching abroad.

"The power of cricket is very strong, when you are out talking to Indian businesses and talk about Edgbaston cricket and hosting things like the Champions Trophy it is a common ground and makes people look at us, and along with the cultural, social and economic links, it is another feather in or cap," Hewitt said.

I still don't think ECB would permit an Indo-Pak series to clash with their own home international and domestic season, however its encouraging to know there would be willing hosts for such a series if it was to ever happen.
 
Doesn't just apply to Birmingham. I've said it before-potential for mega money to be made for all boards involved if there is a Pakistan v India series held in the UK. Matches would be sold out within minutes and I bet you would get a good crowd in even if a test match was held.
 
There is immense interest in a Pak v Ind contest and the most passionate fans of both teams are from Birmingham, mark my words; come June 4th, you will see the greatest and most electrifying atmosphere of all time. Everyone from Indian, Bangla, English and Pakistani folk have all been bugging me for tickets on facebook; it's THE SHOWCASE OF THE IMMORTALS, no one can miss the game. I'd skip my wedding for it even if half the game was to be washed out, I don't care; it's THE GREATEST CONTEST OF ALL TIME! PAKISTAN V INDIA HYPE!
 
We are crickets biggest match and one of worlds sport biggest event yet we are marginalized and no home tours. Something doesn't add up.
 
Although I would love for this to happen, India have no interest in playing any form of cricket with Pakistan given that they earn enough money playing other countries in addition to playing the IPL.
 
Although I would love for this to happen, India have no interest in playing any form of cricket with Pakistan given that they earn enough money playing other countries in addition to playing the IPL.

Correct Bro, notice no India Pakistan series after IPL.

BCCI would rather arrange a mini IPl in September than a series against Pakistan. Now BCCI has another cash cow.
 
Why should Birmingham host it? Makes more sense to host it in India. Could be a precursor to Pakistani players being back in the IPL
 
Why should Birmingham host it? Makes more sense to host it in India. Could be a precursor to Pakistani players being back in the IPL

I think the majority of people in the UK wanting to attend would feel that Mumbai is just a little too far to travel.....the point of the discussion was having the match at Edgbaston to enable fans here to attend.
 
Good to see they would be willing to host. But don't see BCCI wanting to play Pakistan for a while. Also it would be difficult for ECB to schedule such a fixture during their own home season.
 
Wont happen while the BJP are in power but Edgbaston would sell out every day in a 5 day test series.

The last time we played a bilateral series was in India where we embarrased them and now they won't play making up lame excuses :chickens.
 
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