India and Pakistan may be inching closer to resuming cricketing ties after years of strained relations, following conversations between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Dr Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
The two diplomats met twice during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Islamabad, marking the first direct dialogue between foreign ministers of the two nations since 2015.
According to The Indian Express, these conversations, which reportedly took place over dinner and lunch on consecutive days, have sparked speculation about the potential resumption of cricketing engagements.
However, some other media outlets, both in India and Pakistan, cited sources as saying that cricket was not on the agenda of the talks between the two leaders.
Sources: During EAM Dr S Jaishankar’s visit to Islamabad, no discussion took place on resumption of cricket ties between India-Pakistan
PS: Reax amid chatter in Pak media of India Pak Cricket ties
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) October 16, 2024
Diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan have remained frozen for years, with India halting formal talks and bilateral engagements in response to security concerns. The mantra from India’s side has long been that “terror and talks cannot go together.”
Cricket, a sport that both nations are deeply passionate about, has historically been a powerful bridge-builder, despite the long-standing political and military tensions.
These recent discussions have opened a small but significant window. According to the Express report, “Pakistan’s Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, who is also Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, was also looped in.”
The report cited sources as saying that while the talks are in the early stages and must be “thought through” on both sides, the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan in February 2025, offers a potential starting point. There is already widespread speculation about whether the Indian team will travel to Pakistan for the first time in 17 years.
Massive update from Geo News: The foreign ministers of Pakistan and India discussed cricket diplomacy. The two countries are likely to begin formal talks on cricket 🇵🇰🇮🇳❤️
Huge breakthrough re 2025 Champions Trophy thru Dr S Jaishankar & Ishaq Dar 🔥pic.twitter.com/gXE5MsrH5j
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) October 16, 2024
The possibility of India participating in the Champions Trophy would mark a significant breakthrough. Given the deep political sensitivities involved, India has refrained from sending its cricket teams to Pakistan since 2008, citing security concerns following the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
While the two nations have faced off in international tournaments held in neutral venues, such as during the ICC T20 World Cup in 2024, a bilateral cricket tour has remained off the table for over a decade.
Pakistan has been keen on hosting India for the Champions Trophy, and sources indicate that the PCB has been actively engaging the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to discuss logistics and scheduling.
To accommodate India’s possible participation, Pakistan had proposed that the Indian team’s group stage matches be held in Lahore, allowing the team to travel back and forth to India if necessary. However, broadcasters have suggested including other venues like Rawalpindi for some of the matches to diversify the viewing experience.
But several challenges remain. Both India and Pakistan have packed cricket calendars, making the addition of a bilateral series before the Champions Trophy logistically difficult. Additionally, the political landscape remains fragile, with both sides wary of how domestic constituencies might react to a perceived thaw in relations.
The cautious optimism around these talks in Islamabad is in stark contrast to the atmosphere during the last significant encounter between Indian and Pakistani officials, notes The Indian Express.
Departing from Islamabad. Thank PM @CMShehbaz, DPM & FM @MIshaqDar50 and the Government of Pakistan for the hospitality and courtesies. pic.twitter.com/wftT91yrKj
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 16, 2024
In May 2023, at an SCO meeting in Goa, Dr Jaishankar had exchanged sharp words with then-Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, accusing him of being a spokesperson for terrorism. This time, however, the discussions between Dr Jaishankar and Dar were reportedly more measured, with both sides sticking to formal talking points. Dr Jaishankar’s official communication after the talks, thanking Pakistan for its hospitality, further hinted at a softening of the tone from both governments.
If India does decide to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, it will not only be a landmark moment for cricket but could also symbolize a shift in the broader India-Pakistan relationship.
