Usman Khawaja: Gabba ‘dying a slow death’, backs new stadium
Usman Khawaja has made the Gabba his home since joining Queensland’s Sheffield Shield team and the Brisbane Heat, but the Australian opener senses the famed ground is dying a slow death.
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Test batsman Usman Khawaja senses the Gabba is dying a slow death – but he will miss it when it’s gone.
Cricket Australia has confirmed it is strongly backing the development of a new stadium at Victoria Park for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics which would be the new home of Queensland cricket and the Brisbane Lions.
While a Queensland Government 100-day review will have a crucial say in what happens to the Gabba it is increasingly likely the venue will be replaced.
Khawaja has no qualms with the Victoria Park project but concedes, if the Gabba is demolished, he would miss, among other things, the fact it has a natural wicket and not a drop-in version grown off-site.
“I love the Gabba,’’ Khawaja said at the Usman Khawaja Foundation Test match lunch.
“I love playing here. I don’t know what they are doing with the Olympics. I think with Victoria Park, if it works, great.
“I am a little bit worried. I think in a few years time the Gabba might be dying a slow death sadly enough.
“We have drop in decks around the world. The Gabba and the SCG are the few wickets which are not drop-ins.
“They are very distinct wickets. They are great. I am a little bit of a traditionalist. My heart’s at the Gabba.’’
Queensland cricket officials have long campaigned for the home grown Test deck to stay despite the fact most Test grounds now have drop-ins.
Test fast bowler Michael Kasprowicz said the Gabba held a special place in his heart but he would prefer a new stadium at Victoria Park than a Gabba rebuild.
“Having lived in a few different houses you learn a new build is easier than a renovation,’’ Kasprowicz said.
“I went to Perth’s Optus Stadium and it was an extraordinary experience. I loved the Gabba and spent 20 years of my life bowling here but everything changes.
“The big thing about going to a new stadium is that you would have to have a drop-in deck but that is the way the game is changing.’’
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