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Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Islamabad recently, to attend the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) meeting. During his visit, S Jaishankar met Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif at the multilateral event. Additionally, some reports indicated that the External Affairs Minister also met his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar, to discuss the possibility of India traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
Notably, Pakistan is set to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 from February 19 to March 9 with Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi as the potential venues. Amidst the geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, the BCCI has not given approval for the national team to travel to Pakistan.
Champions Trophy 2025: S Jaishankar & Ishaq Dar Talk About India Possibility to visit Pakistan?
According to a report from Cricbuzz, S Jaishankar, along with Pakistan's External Affairs Minister Ishaq Dar and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, discussed the issue. The Board of Control For Cricket in India (BCCI) has not permitted the Men in Blue to travel to Pakistan, and has stated that the final decision will be made by the Indian government. Reports also mention that PCB has offered the BCCI an option of the Indian team returning to either Chandigarh or Delhi after every game, considering their security concerns.
The report also indicated that the broadcasters have asked the ICC to move India’s game against New Zealand to a different venue. In response, the PCB appeared to suggest Rawalpindi as an alternative location, however, neither the ICC nor the broadcasters have confirmed this development.
Moreover, the PCB has planned all of India's Matches in Lahore, in view of the logistical ease and security concerns.
India haven't played international cricket in Pakistan since 2008 Mumbai blasts, and the last bilateral series was played in 2013 between India and Pakistan, while the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 matches are due to happen in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.
