In a call for diplomatic progress through sports, former Prime Minister and senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Raja Pervaiz Ashraf has urged the Indian government to reconsider its stance on cricket, advocating for a shift toward a more constructive approach to solving the Champions Trophy issue.
Emphasizing the evolving world landscape, Ashraf argued that cricket has the potential to bridge the gap between India and Pakistan rather than fuel tensions.
Addressing the International Cricket Council (ICC), Ashraf emphasized the importance of keeping the Champions Trophy free from political influence or personal biases.
“Cricket should remain a game, not a battleground between India and Pakistan,” he stated, urging leaders on both sides to protect the sport from political interference. “Leadership from both nations must step up to shield cricket from political pollution,” he added.
Ashraf highlighted the enthusiasm among Indian players to play in Pakistan, citing their eagerness as constrained by government policies. He noted, “The Indian government can send a positive message to the world by allowing their cricket team to visit Pakistan.”
Referring to recent diplomatic interactions, including India’s participation in the SCO summit, Ashraf urged both countries to build on this cooperative spirit.
He called for using these engagements as a foundation for peaceful relations in sports and beyond, underscoring cricket as a means to foster goodwill and unity in the region.
The 2025 Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February 19th to March 9th. BCCI has confirmed that the Indian national team will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament citing security concerns.
PCB, on the other hand, has remained adamant about hosting the entire tournament on home soil and rejected the hybrid model to accommodate the neighbours which has led to a tussle between the two cricket-mad countries.
With no solution in sight as of yet, everyone’s eyes are on ICC or any figure that can find a solution to the problem.
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