In response to India’s “refusal” to send its cricket team to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Islamabad has taken a tough position on sports relations with India.
According to government sources, Pakistan will not play India in international events unless India visits Pakistan. Pakistan has changed its approach to cross-border sports diplomacy, signaling a rising resolve to counter New Delhi’s politicization of sports.
The government would also lobby against India’s 2036 Summer Olympics proposal. The sources also said Pakistan will inform the International Olympic Committee (IOC) how India has let politics overwhelm cricket competitions.
Insiders say the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) received a correspondence from the International Cricket Council (ICC) stating that the BCCI had alerted them of the Indian government’s intention to ban its squad from visiting Pakistan.
The sources claimed that Pakistan’s government is aware of the development and ready to act harshly. “We will not play India unless they play in Pakistan.”
The government has ordered the PCB to reject hybrid Champions Trophy models. The source said Pakistan will not play Champions Trophy matches abroad. Pakistan will host the ICC Champions Trophy in February–March next year, and the PCB has stated it will not accept a hybrid format.
The government has also told the PCB to stick to its guns, even if it costs money. “If necessary, Pakistan may consider all ICC Champions Trophy options,” sources said. If India’s participation boosts ICC revenue, the PCB’s position is vital, and without Pakistan-India matches, ICC profits would suffer.”
