Cricket Diplomacy on the Cards Amidst Jaishankar’s Visit to Pakistan

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is set to meet Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Islamabad.

The Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is set to take place on October 15 and 16, featuring heads and representatives from various countries visiting Pakistan, including Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar. This summit is expected to cover a range of topics, including regional security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchanges among member states.

Sources indicate that cricket diplomacy might be on the agenda during a potential meeting between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Jaishankar. In this proposed discussion, Naqvi is expected to address security measures, protocols, and other essential details concerning the Indian cricket team’s visit to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. The PCB is keen to ensure that all arrangements meet international standards, especially given the historical tensions between the two nations.

Additionally, the Indian official will be involved in discussions regarding preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy and the ICC delegation tours. Naqvi is also likely to extend an invitation to Jaishankar to attend the Champions Trophy matches, which could serve as a goodwill gesture to foster better relations through sports.

Pakistan is set to host the Champions Trophy from February 19 to March 9, 2025, with matches scheduled in key cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. However, the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) has stipulated that sending the team to Pakistan is contingent upon government approval, making the diplomatic discussions at the summit all the more critical for the future of cricketing ties between the two countries.