Is Pakistan-India cricket back on table after Jaishankar’s visit?

During Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Pakistan, no discussions were held regarding the resumption of bilateral cricket ties between the two nations, despite speculation in the media.

Indian reports suggest that the visit, which took place after Jaishankar attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, did not address the potential revival of the Pakistan-India cricket series.

India’s cricket team is expected to visit Pakistan in February 2025 for the ICC Champions Trophy, as reported by Express news.

However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to formally notify the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about the team’s participation.

The last bilateral series between the two teams occurred in 2012-13, while India has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup.

Ongoing political tensions have meant that the two teams only face each other in International Cricket Council (ICC) events.

There were earlier reports suggesting that Pakistan may not raise objections to BCCI secretary Jay Shah’s appointment as ICC chairman, possibly indicating a broader agreement between the two boards.

However, there has been no confirmation of such a deal.

India to work with Pakistan during SCO tenure: Jaishankar

Yesterday, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar had highlighted the importance of addressing challenges between neighbours through honest dialogue and cooperation during his speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad.

Jaishankar had congratulated Pakistan on assuming the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of Government and had assured India’s full cooperation throughout Pakistan’s tenure, according to Express news.

Speaking to the summit attendees, Jaishankar had noted that the world was facing two major global conflicts, alongside the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had severely impacted developing nations.

He further had pointed out that SCO member states were grappling with challenges like debt and other economic issues.

Jaishankar had emphasised that one of the core objectives of the SCO charter was to promote mutual trust, friendship, and cooperation among neighbouring countries.