Ian Gould terms of officiating in Pakistan vs India matches as intimidating

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India and Pakistan have always been two rival nations. Since their independence in 1947, they have raised fuming political tensions that have risen to a surplus extent. The sense of hatred has indulged itself in the spirit of cricket as both of them don’t want to face each other in the bilateral series amid conflicts.

Last time when India and Pakistan faced each other in a bilateral series was back in 2012-13 when Pakistan trashed India. Since then, the arch-rivals against each other only have been a part of mega ICC events.

As a consequence, the match between the two nations always holds the highest number of spectators which leads to explosive sounds. The chants of the fans can distract the attention of the officials especially umpires.

Ian Gould, who retired back in 2019 after World Cup, thinks that the crowd in Indo-Pak matches can distract your attention, and once when you lose it, it’s hard to get back on the track.

Ian Gould thinks of officiating in Pakistan vs India matches as intimidating

Ian Gould revealed that he has almost officiated seven-eight matches between India and Pakistan. The umpire who officiated more than 250 international matches has praised the players of both sides and founds fans as the interrupting factor.

“It’s intimidating. Not the players. The players are outstanding people. I’ve done seven, eight India-Pakistan games and the guys are really good people. They get on with each other,” he said in an interview with ESPNCricinfo.

“If you allow a crowd to get to you, all that noise and Mexican waves, or whatever, can distract you. Then you start missing bits and pieces and it’s a difficult place to be,” he added.

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