Cricket

Pakistan's Foreign Office has denied the existence of any back channel diplomacy with India regarding the Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan in February-March 2023. Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated that there are no specific discussions with India on the tournament or bilateral cricket.Baloch emphasized that sports should not be politicized, reiterating Pakistan's stance on the matter. She referred inquiries about the tournament's arrangements and team participation to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).The BCCI has informed the ICC of its inability to send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. The ICC has requested a response from the PCB on the possibility of hosting the tournament in a hybrid model, similar to the Asia Cup last year.The PCB is in contact with the ICC to discuss the arrangements, including team participation. Baloch stated that the PCB would provide further clarification on the issue.The Champions Trophy is a major international cricket tournament featuring the top eight ODI teams. Pakistan was awarded the hosting rights in 2018, but the tournament was postponed due to security concerns. The PCB has expressed its commitment to hosting the event successfully and ensuring the safety of all participants.However, India's refusal to participate has cast a shadow over the tournament. The BCCI's decision is based on security concerns and the strained political relations between the two countries.The ICC is exploring alternative options to ensure the tournament's success. A hybrid model, with India's matches played in a neutral venue, is one possibility. The PCB has expressed its willingness to consider such arrangements to facilitate India's participation.The Champions Trophy is a prestigious event in the cricket calendar, and its successful hosting in Pakistan would be a significant achievement. The PCB is working closely with the ICC to find a solution that satisfies all parties involved.

Former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi has expressed his disappointment over India's decision not to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. Afridi believes that cricket should be prioritized over political differences and that the sport should bring people together.Afridi took to social media to share his thoughts, stating that cricket is facing one of its greatest challenges since the late 1970s. He emphasized the need to put aside differences and let the game unite everyone. Afridi pointed out that countries once divided by history can come together in the Olympic spirit, and the same should be possible for cricket.As stewards of the game, Afridi believes that it is the responsibility of those involved in cricket to keep egos in check and focus on its growth and spirit. He expressed his hope that every team would participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and experience the country's warmth and hospitality.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that India had communicated its decision to the ICC, stating their unwillingness to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. This decision continues a trend of India not sending its cricket team to Pakistan. The last time the Indian team visited Pakistan was in 2008 for the Asia Cup.The PCB had previously stated that it would not accept a "Hybrid Model" for the Champions Trophy, which would have involved some matches being played in Pakistan and others in a neutral venue. This development has left the ICC with the task of determining the tournament's schedule and venue.Afridi's comments highlight the importance of cricket as a unifying force and the need to prioritize the sport over political considerations. He believes that the Champions Trophy should be an opportunity for all teams to come together and celebrate the spirit of cricket.

The Indian men's blind cricket team is eagerly awaiting clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to participate in the 4th T20 World Cup for the Blind, scheduled to take place in Pakistan from November 22 to December 3. The team has already received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, but official permission from the MEA is crucial for their participation.The decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to not send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 has heightened tensions between the two countries. However, the Indian blind cricket team remains hopeful of receiving clearance to compete in the World Cup.India has a remarkable track record in the T20 World Cup for the Blind, having won the first three editions organized by the Cricket Association for the Blind in India and Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled. They defeated Pakistan twice and Bangladesh once in 2022.This year, the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) will host the tournament. Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, Chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), expressed excitement about the prospect of facing Pakistan again. He emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for visually impaired cricketers and the team's determination to extend their winning streak.The Indian men's blind cricket team selected for the 4th T20 World Cup comprises 17 players from various states, categorized based on their level of visual impairment. The team includes experienced and talented players from across the country, united in their goal to compete at the highest level.The team's participation in the World Cup would not only be a testament to their skill and determination but also a symbol of the resilience and spirit of sportsmanship that transcends political boundaries. The Indian blind cricket team is eager to represent their country and make their mark on the international stage.

Pakistan's participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is in jeopardy following India's refusal to travel to the country for the tournament. According to sources within the Pakistan government, the country may withdraw from the event if its hosting rights are revoked.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed its intention to seek clarification from the ICC regarding the hosting arrangements. The PCB has only been informed of India's decision not to participate but has not received any official communication about a potential hybrid model.Under a hybrid model, India's matches would be played in a neutral venue while other matches would be held in Pakistan. This approach was adopted during the Asia Cup last year.The PCB is awaiting policy guidelines from the government regarding its stance on India. The government's decision will be cited in the PCB's request for clarification from the ICC.The PCB source emphasized that the ICC could face legal implications if the Pakistan government decides to take a tough stance on cricket relations with India.The situation remains fluid, and the PCB is in consultation with the government to determine its next steps.

PCB Assures Swift Visa Issuance for Indian Fans for ICC Champions TrophyLAHORE, Pakistan - Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Federal Interior Minister, has pledged a streamlined visa issuance process for Indian fans eager to attend the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year.During a meeting with a group of Sikh pilgrims from the United States, Naqvi expressed optimism about a positive response from Indian fans. "We will reserve a special quota of tickets for Indian fans and endeavor to expedite the visa issuance process," he stated.Naqvi emphasized the PCB's desire to welcome Indian fans and witness the highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan in Lahore. Pakistan is set to host the ICC mega event from February to March 2025, but the tournament schedule remains pending until the ICC receives confirmation from the Indian government regarding its team's participation.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reiterated its adherence to government policy when it comes to visiting Pakistan. No Indian team has toured Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, and there has been no Test series between the two nations since 2007.Despite these challenges, Naqvi remains hopeful that Indian fans will be able to experience the thrill of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. "We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all spectators," he said.The PCB's efforts to facilitate Indian fan attendance are a testament to the importance of cricket as a bridge between the two countries. The sport has the power to unite people and foster goodwill, and the Champions Trophy provides an opportunity to showcase the passion and camaraderie that exists between cricket enthusiasts on both sides of the border.

India's Participation in Pakistan-Hosted Champions Trophy Uncertain, Warns Former PCB ChiefFormer Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Khalid Mahmood has cast doubt on India's participation in the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in Pakistan early next year. Mahmood, a retired senior bureaucrat, expressed concerns about the potential financial and operational consequences for both the PCB and the ICC if India chooses not to attend.Mahmood emphasized that India's absence could set a precedent for other cricketing nations, further complicating the event's logistics and profitability. "India is the richest cricket board and carries a lot of clout," he said. "If they don't send their team to Pakistan, I foresee even countries like Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh following their path."He warned that such a scenario would significantly reduce the Champions Trophy's revenue potential and increase expenses, leading to a decline in profits. Mahmood advised the PCB to maintain its stance of separating sports from politics to avoid further complications."At this level, you can only lobby and try to convince other boards to be on your side," he said. "India has too much clout in the ICC. It would do no good for Pakistan to adopt a tit-for-tat strategy."Mahmood acknowledged that India's decision to play its matches outside Pakistan would diminish the purpose of Pakistan hosting the ICC event. The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held from February 19 to March 9, 2023.

India's Participation in Pakistan-Hosted Champions Trophy UncertainTeam India's participation in the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan next year, is in jeopardy, according to sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The sources indicate that a change of venue or a hybrid model is likely, with bilateral series between India and Pakistan remaining highly unlikely.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, recently suggested that a bilateral series with India could be considered if India sends its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. However, BCCI sources have dismissed this possibility, stating that Team India may not even travel to Pakistan for the tournament.The sources cited the current strained relations between India and Pakistan as a major factor in the decision. They emphasized that the Indian government's permission would be required for the team to travel to Pakistan, and such permission is unlikely given the current political climate."Forget bilateral series...Team India may not even travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy," a source told IANS. "There might be a change of venue, a hybrid model is also possible."The Champions Trophy is an ICC event, which makes India's decision a difficult one. However, the sources stressed that the government's approval is paramount."Bilateral series, I don't see in the near future, that's next to impossible," the source added.India and Pakistan last played a bilateral limited-overs series in 2012-13, when Pakistan toured India. In 2023, India declined to send its team to the Asia Cup in Pakistan, leading to the adoption of a hybrid model for the tournament.Currently, India and Pakistan only face each other during ICC and continental events.

India's Test cricket captain, Rohit Sharma, has expressed his desire to resume bilateral series with Pakistan, citing the potential benefits for the format. This statement has garnered a positive response from former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, who believes sports can bridge the gap between the two nations.Rohit's comments came during a discussion on the Club Prairie Fire podcast, where he acknowledged Pakistan's strong bowling lineup and the competitive nature of their matches. He emphasized that playing Pakistan overseas would be a "great contest" and would benefit Test cricket.Afridi praised Rohit's "positive statement," stating that it aligns with his belief that sports can foster better relations between India and Pakistan. He highlighted the historical role of cricket in building bridges between the two countries and expressed his hope that bilateral series would resume.The last bilateral series between India and Pakistan was held in 2007-08. Since then, political tensions have prevented the resumption of regular matches. However, both teams have faced each other in ICC tournaments, including the ODI World Cup last year, where India emerged victorious.The two sides are scheduled to meet again during the T20 World Cup later this year, with their match set to take place in New York on June 9. This encounter is highly anticipated by fans of both countries and could serve as a catalyst for further dialogue and cooperation.Rohit's statement and Afridi's response have reignited hopes for the resumption of bilateral series between India and Pakistan. While political factors remain a challenge, the desire for sporting competition and the potential benefits for Test cricket could provide a compelling case for overcoming these obstacles.