Virender Sehwag shared his experiences from India’s tours to Pakistan, especially the 2004 series, stating, “We had Presidential-level security during the Pakistan tour.”
Renowned for his explosive batting and candid demeanor, he has been a central figure in India’s cricketing history.
His experiences during India’s tours to Pakistan, particularly the 2004 series, offer valuable insights into the dynamics of rivalry, player relationships, fan interactions, and security considerations.
Matches between India and Pakistan are more than just games; they are events charged with immense passion and national pride. Sehwag has often highlighted the unique pressure of these encounters.
The 2004 series, dubbed the “Friendship Tour,” was particularly intense. Despite its name, the competition on the field was fierce.
Sehwag’s aggressive batting style was a testament to the high stakes of these matches. He noted that the term “Friendship Tour” was more of a label, as the on-field competition was intense.
Off the field, Sehwag’s interactions with Pakistani players were marked by mutual respect and good fellowship. He shared a close bond with players like Shoaib Akhtar and Inzamam-ul-Haq.
Sehwag’s friendship with Shoaib Akhtar is well-documented, with both players often sharing light-hearted moments and mutual admiration.
Sehwag has often spoken about the electrifying atmosphere in the stadiums, where every run and wicket is met with intense reactions.
He recalled instances where the crowd’s energy was so overwhelming that it felt like playing in a pressure cooker. The mutual respect between players and fans added to the unique experience of these matches.
“In Pakistan, I always felt a sense of respect from the fans. Despite the rivalry, the crowds were passionate but appreciative of quality cricket,” Sehwag recalled.
Sehwag’s interactions went beyond the cricket field, as he also praised the hospitality extended by Pakistan during his visits.
One of his fond memories from the 2004 tour was a shopping trip to Lahore, where he went to buy clothes for his wedding. “When I was purchasing some clothes for my wedding, shopkeepers refused to take payment, saying, ‘You’re Pakistan’s guest, and we can’t take money from our guests,’” Sehwag shared.
Given the political tensions between the two nations, security during these tours was a significant concern.
Sehwag recalled the stringent security measures in place during these tours. “Roads were closed off for public access, with only the team’s vehicles allowed to proceed – comparable to ‘President-level’ security,” he described.
Sehwag mentioned that the security arrangements were unprecedented, with heightened measures at airports and stadiums.
He recalled that the Indian team had never experienced such tight security, which underscored the seriousness of the situation.
