Following India’s refusal to tour Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, the United States has emphasized the importance of sports diplomacy as a unifying force, urging both Islamabad and New Delhi to promote it, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday.
Talking to newsmen in Washington on Thursday, US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel highlighted sports diplomacy in response to a question about the impact of Pakistan-India relations on the upcoming event. “Sports are indeed a powerful connecting force. This department values the role that sports diplomacy plays in bringing people together. It’s something we know is incredibly important to the US State Department,” Patel said.
Patel underscored that sports foster human and cultural connections, which the US administration has prioritized. However, he acknowledged that ultimately, this is a bilateral matter for India and Pakistan to address, either through sports or other diplomatic avenues. “I will let them speak to their own bilateral relationship. Certainly not something for us to get in the middle of,” he added.
This development follows India’s decision not to participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Last week, the International Cricket Council (ICC) informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of India’s refusal, placing the tournament’s future in question.
Pakistan had previously dismissed a proposed hybrid model that would allow India to play its matches at neutral venues, such as the United Arab Emirates. The PCB has since requested the ICC clarify India’s decision, as the board intends to stand firm against relocating any games outside Pakistan.