Nawaz Sharif wishes to re-establish cricket ties between India and Pakistan

Islamabad. When Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar reached Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, the question was whether India-Pakistan cricket relations would move forward? The Indian team has not been playing in Pakistan for a long time, while whenever there is an ICC (International Cricket Council) or ACC (Asian Cricket Council) tournament, the Indian team plays at a neutral venue. The ICC Champions Trophy is to be held in Pakistan in 2025, so according to the update so far, the Indian team will play its matches under the hybrid model. At the same time, the meeting of the ministers of India and Pakistan was to be held on cricket, which could not happen during the SCO summit.

Meanwhile, during the visit of the Indian Foreign Minister, a statement of former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif came. At the same time, he also talked about the cricket relations between India and Pakistan. He also spoke about the visit of the Indian Foreign Minister who came to Islamabad to participate in the SCO conference. He called it a “beginning”.

At the same time, he advocated for the resumption of cricketing relations between India and Pakistan and even said that he would like to come to India if both the teams play in the final of a major tournament in the neighboring country.

He said – What will be the benefit of not sending teams to each other’s countries? They play all over the world, but it is not allowed in both our countries. When asked if India should send a team for the Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan in February, he said – You have spoken my heart out. Sharif also underlined the importance of trade relations between the two sides.

Jaishankar went to Islamabad on a nearly 24-hour visit on Tuesday to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) conference. He became the first Indian foreign minister to visit Pakistan in the last nine years amid the ongoing tension in relations between the two countries.

The decision to play in Pakistan depends on the government
Pakistan is preparing to host its first international cricket event since the 1996 World Cup. The Champions Trophy is an ICC (International Cricket Council) event. However, on the decision to play in Pakistan, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has said many times that the decision will be taken by the Government of India.

During the 2023 ODI Asia Cup, India played its games in Sri Lanka on the basis of the ‘hybrid model’. According to the draft schedule, all of India’s matches, including the possible semi-finals and finals, are to be played in Lahore. The key match of India vs Pakistan is scheduled to be held on March 1.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla had said in May 2024 that the Indian team would go to Pakistan for the tournament only if the central government allows it. Shukla had said, ‘In the case of the Champions Trophy, we will do what the Government of India will tell us to do. We will send our team only when the Government of India allows. So we will go according to the decision of the Government of India.’

Will India play under the hybrid model?
Last year, India refused to send its team to play the Asia Cup in Pakistan. After this, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) created a hybrid model for this event, after which India’s matches were held in Sri Lanka.

The chances of the Indian team going to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 are very low, as the final decision is yet to be taken by the Government of India. According to the recent reports, a hybrid model can be considered. India can play its matches in the UAE or Sri Lanka just like the Asia Cup. The ICC’s stance will also be important in this matter.

When did India last go to Pakistan?
India and Pakistan last played a bilateral limited overs (50 overs) series in 2012-13, when Pakistan toured India. A 2-match T20 series was also held during the same time. India last played a Test series in Pakistan in 2007. The Pakistani team recently came to play during the ODI World Cup.