India and Pakistan are not playing enough International cricket, so ice cricket is compensating for it: Shahid Afridi

The recently concluded St. Moritz Ice Cricket Challenge played in Switzerland saw a unique blend of serene conditions and some exhilarating cricket. The two-day T20 tournament was played between Royals led by Shahid Afridi and Diamonds skippered by flamboyant batsman Virender Sehwag. The two matches were played in temperatures well below minus five thereby providing new kind of challenges for the players.

Both the teams comprised some greats of the game like Michael Hussey, Lasith Malinga, Jacques Kallis and Shoaib Akhtar among others. Afridi’s Royals won the series 2-0 and the scanty crowd that turned out amidst serious cold was treated to some wonderful cricket over the two days. The tournament gave a chance to some of the stars of the game to relive their old memories and rivalries. The tussle between Sehwag and Shoaib Akhtar was one of the highlights.

Legends speak

Former Indian speedster Zaheer Khan thoroughly enjoyed his stint during the two-day cricket extravaganza. “It’s a beautiful place and it’s a very new experience. It’s something that we have never seen. All the players are loving the experience,” the left-arm pacer said.

Mr Cricket, David Hussey also seemed exultant with the overall experience of playing Cricket in The Swiss Alps. He was quoted as saying: “It’s a terrific experience, playing in the snow,” he further stated that: “I loved the experience and would love to comeback.”

Shoaib Akhtar, the once feared fast-bowler echoed the same emotions: “There was a big crowd and they got their money’s worth as the matches were pretty interesting. There were big sixes, fours and wickets. So everything was there.”

Former Pakistani all-rounder Abdul Razzaq also opined that the cricket was of the highest standard. The fans also got a glimpse of the Indian and Pakistani cricketers playing against and with one another.

“India and Pakistan are not playing enough International cricket, so ice cricket is compensating for it,” Shahid Afridi said.

The tournament could also open the gates for cricket to become popular in Europe. Overall, the St. Moritz Cricket Tournament proved to be extremely successful and the fans would hope for it to find a permanent fixture in the already cramped cricket calendar.