Pakistan Clarifies On India's Non-Participation In Champions Trophy, Emphasizes Sport Should Be Separated From Politics

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani authorities have explicitly stated that there are no behind-the-scenes diplomatic discussions currently underway with India regarding the participation of their teams in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy tournament.

According to Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch during yesterday's weekly press briefing, Pakistan has communicated its position to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and is now waiting for further instructions on how to proceed.

"There are no back channel discussions with India specifically about the Champions Trophy and bilateral cricket between Pakistan and India," she stated. "However, we are in close communication with the ICC regarding our participation in the tournament."

Baloch also expressed the importance of maintaining sporting events' independence from political matters. She pointed out that sports should never be associated with the conflicts between nations.

In response to questions about India's reluctance to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, Baloch stated, "If India chooses not to participate due to security concerns, we will explore alternative arrangements along with the ICC."

A hybrid model had been successfully implemented at the Asia Cup last year. Matches that would involve participating teams were held in Sri Lanka while other matches took place in Pakistan. The PCB has informed the BCCI about its inability to stage the entire tournament in Pakistan as per India's demand.

While no official statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was available, sources within the organization suggested that they are open to participating in the ICC Champions Trophy if the security concerns were assuaged.