The United States has weighed in on India’s decision to withdraw from participating in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, highlighting the significance of sports diplomacy in fostering international relations. During a press briefing in Washington, Vedant Patel, the Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, emphasized the role of sports in connecting people and promoting cultural understanding across borders.
Patel’s remarks were made following India’s refusal to send its cricket team to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy, citing security concerns. He reiterated the idea that sports serve as a powerful tool for bridging divides and fostering dialogue, which is a priority for the U.S. State Department. Patel stated, “Sports is indeed a powerful connecting force… It’s something we know is incredibly important to the US State Department.”
In addition to commenting on the sports matter, Patel also addressed a separate issue, condemning the recent bombing at a railway station in Quetta. He expressed the U.S. government’s strong condemnation of the attack, carried out by the BLA Majeed Brigade on November 9, and extended condolences to the victims and their families. He reiterated the U.S. commitment to combating terrorism and violent extremism, adding, “We have a shared interest in combating these kinds of threats with Pakistan… We’re going to continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism.”
The U.S. comments come amid uncertainty regarding the scheduling of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The International Cricket Council (ICC) had planned to release the schedule earlier this week, but the ambiguity over India’s travel plans to Pakistan has delayed the announcement.
On November 9, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially informed the ICC that India would not participate in the tournament in Pakistan, a decision that prompted a response from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The PCB expressed its concerns to the ICC, highlighting the firm stance of the Pakistani government on the matter and seeking clarification on India’s refusal to tour Pakistan.
It is significant to note that India has not visited Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, following the ongoing political tensions between the two nations. In contrast, Pakistan has toured India four times in the past 16 years, with the most recent visit being for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.
