External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent trip to Pakistan has rekindled discussions about the possibility of the Indian cricket team visiting Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Reports suggest that the topic surfaced during multiple discussions between Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Finance Minister, Ishaq Dar. During these talks, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also holds a ministerial role, is said to have joined in at some point.
Although there were no formal bilateral meetings, Jaishankar is said to have had “informal conversations” with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Ishaq Dar during the SCO Heads of Government summit in Islamabad. Sources speaking to The Times of India confirmed these informal exchanges, indicating a slight easing of tensions, even if nothing concrete has emerged yet.
According to another source, Pakistan has proposed the resumption of bilateral cricket ties as a way to “break the ice” between the two nations. Naqvi described Jaishankar’s visit as a positive step towards easing tensions, even though no formal bilateral talks were on the agenda. Pakistan remains eager to host the Champions Trophy next year, hoping that India’s participation will pave the way for better relations.
The decision on whether the Indian cricket team will travel to Pakistan for the upcoming eight-nation Champions Trophy ultimately rests with the Indian government. At this point, neither the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) nor the International Cricket Council (ICC) can offer a definitive answer. However, there have been some noteworthy developments following the Indian minister’s visit to Pakistan, including discussions related to the tournament’s scheduling.
The PCB has reportedly reached out to the BCCI, offering logistical support should the Indian team wish to return to India either to Chandigarh or New Delhi between matches, addressing any security concerns that may arise from staying in Pakistan. A PCB representative confirmed the proposal, noting that the schedule includes nearly a week-long break between the final two matches, which could facilitate such arrangements.
🚨 REPORTS 🚨
The PCB are very keen to host the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and welcome Team India to Pakistan.
They have also written to the BCCI, offering assistance should the team want to return to India – Chandigarh or New Delhi – after each match to avoid staying… pic.twitter.com/kQIxCDxWqp
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) October 18, 2024
The Champions Trophy is scheduled to run from February 19 to March 9, with matches hosted across Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. To address logistical concerns and ensure player safety, the PCB has arranged for all of India’s fixtures to be held in Lahore. This choice not only simplifies travel but also takes advantage of Lahore’s accessibility to the border, making it easier for Indian fans to attend. India’s games are set for February 20 against Bangladesh, February 23 against Pakistan, and March 2 against New Zealand.
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
