New Delhi: Pakistan have not undertaken any back-channels discussions with India over their refusal to travel across the border for Champions Trophy.
India have informed the International Cricket Council of its desire not to make the trip over security concerns for the tournament that is scheduled to be held in February-March next year.
Reports suggest Pakistan is considering several counter measures after India’s stance but persuasion through back-channel diplomacy isn’t one of them.
When asked to comment on the tournament’s status, the spokesperson of Pakistan’s Foreign Office Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said there has been no communication, adding that specific details about participation and beyond is with the Pakistan Cricket Board.
“There is no back channel with India to specifically discuss the Champions Trophy and bilateral Cricket between Pakistan and India. Pakistan has always said that sports should not be politicised,” she said, as quoted by PTI.
Baloch said the PCB is in discussions with the ICC over arrangements, including participation of teams. “We would refer you to the Pakistan Cricket Board for any comments or clarification with regards to this issue,” she said.
After India made its intentions clear, the ICC has sought Pakitan’s response on hosting the tournament in a hybrid model with India’s matches shifted to Dubai from Lahore.
Pakistan was forced to accept a hybrid model when India refused a trip to play the Asia Cup last year, with matches moved to Sri Lanka.
The PCB are yet to announce their plan after India’s denial to travel. Reports in the Pakistani media suggest, Pakistan are exploring legal options while also considering to boycott playing cricket with India at all major events.
Lobbying against India’s bid to host 2036 Olympics have also been touted as a possible Pakistan response.
The Pakistan government is keeping tabs on the matter but hasn’t made any statement while the PCB has sought its counsel for future course of action.
Pakistan is considering several counter measures after India’s refusal to travel for the Champions Trophy but persuasion through back-channel diplomacy isn’t one of them. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
