Keep sports apolitical: FO tells India

Foreign Office spokesperson has urged India not to politicise sports, following India’s refusal to send its cricket team to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy.

During a weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch addressed the matter, emphasising that sports should remain free from political influence. "India should not politicise sports," Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated.

The spokesperson also responded to recent speculations about Pakistan-China relations, urging the public not to believe rumours. She accused some quarters of attempting to undermine the strong ties between the two countries.

“Pakistan and China have a relationship based on mutual respect and security. We will not allow anyone to disrupt this strategic relationship,” she added.

In response to a question about the attack on Qazi Faiz Isa in London, the spokesperson said that any form of protest should be conducted within the boundaries of the law. "Pakistanis, wherever they are, should be treated with respect and dignity, and no one should be allowed to use abusive language."

Regarding India's refusal to participate in next year's Champions Trophy scheduled in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, the spokesperson said that only the cricket board can comment on the Indian team’s visit to Pakistan. However, she added, no backdoor channels are in operation for the Champions Trophy and sports should not be politicised.

She also stated that Pakistan and the United States share a long-standing relationship based on mutual interests and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. "Pakistan cannot demand the appointment of anyone within the U.S. administration," she said.

Additionally, the spokesperson clarified that Zalmay Khalilzad holds no official position, and that any statements on social media cannot be responded to.

PCB seeks ICC's clarity on CT 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially reached out to the International Cricket Council (ICC), requesting a formal written explanation regarding India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

Sources confirm that, in light of government directives, the PCB has sent an official email to the ICC, requesting clarity on the verbal statement made by the ICC regarding the Indian team’s decision not to participate in the event in Pakistan.

PCB has demanded a formal response from the ICC to understand the specific reasons behind the Indian team's reluctance. The PCB's request comes in the wake of mounting uncertainty over the tournament's schedule, with the delay in announcing the ICC Champions Trophy fixtures attributed to India's position on the matter.