Indian cricket legend backs calls for new Brisbane stadium

An Indian cricket legend, who was at the Gabba on Saturday as part of a contingent of high-profile stars touring the state, has thrown his weight behind calls for a new Brisbane stadium.

Zaheer Khan, Sara Tendulkar,Mini Mathur, Ishaan Khatter (back) with Saiyami Kher and Kabir Khan at the first day of the test between Australia and India at the Gabba. Picture: Richard Walker

Indian cricket legend Zaheer Khan has thrown his weight behind calls for a new Brisbane stadium.

Khan, who was at the Gabba on Saturday as part of a contingent of high-profile Indian stars touring the state with Tourism Queensland to coincide with the Australia-India cricket clash, is no stranger to the iconic grounds, where he took a five-wicket haul in 2003.

First day of the test between Australia and India at the Gabba. Picture: Richard Walker

“Cricket is a sport that people will always travel to watch a game of cricket, and do activities around it. So more [venues] the better, I think,” he said.

“With cricketing infrastructure, as you put up more stadiums, as you keep on adding to it, it give the fans also that experience of coming to the ground, having a great day, and also exploring the parts of country.”

Zaheer Khan celebrates his wicket of Michael Clarke in 2012.

Khan said he was looking forward to more sightseeing while in Queensland and said a

4WD beach adventure on the Sunshine Coast alongside wife, Bollywood actor Sagarika Ghatge, was already a highlight.

Also in the celebrity box at the cricket was Sara Tendulkar, daughter of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.

The model and influencer, with 7.4 million Instagram followers, has big plans while she is here, and wants to visit Lizard Island, the Great Barrier Reed, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Gold Coast.

“I love it here,” she said.

Zaheer Khan and Sara Tendulkar at the first day of the test between Australia and India at the Gabba. Picture: Richard Walker

“I love the outdoors. I love animals and Australia has such different animals, so I’m super excited to see some of them in the wildlife sanctuaries.”

The duo are part of a 15-strong delegation of Indian celebrities and influencers, boasting a combined audience of over 50 million.

Hosted by Tourism Queensland, the group is experiencing the state’s iconic attractions to promote it as a must-visit destination for Indian travellers.

Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison described the initiative as a golden opportunity.

“We want to make sure Australia is front of mind for all Indian travellers as they look for a destination for their next holiday,” she said.