Former PM Nawaz Sharif has emphasized that the recent SCO summit could be a pivotal moment for restoring India Pakistan cricket relations and improving diplomatic ties between the two nations. Speaking after the summit, Nawaz Sharif expressed hope that the event could serve as a new beginning to ease tensions and foster dialogue between the two nations.
Indian Foreign Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar attended the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the SCO, hosted by Islamabad on October 15-16, 2024. This marked the first visit by an Indian official to Pakistan in several years, reigniting optimism about rekindling ties between the neighboring countries.
Nawaz Sharif, who leads the PML-N party and has served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister three times, reiterated that mending India Pakistan cricket relations could open doors for cooperation in various sectors. Addressing Indian journalists, he emphasized the potential for progress if diplomatic ties improve, noting, “The SCO summit could mark the beginning of a positive shift in India Pakistan relations, particularly in the realm of cricket.”
Nawaz Sharif stressed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence at the summit would have symbolized a significant step toward reconciliation. “It would have been better if Modi had attended the SCO conference,” he remarked. Nawaz Sharif also called for the Indian cricket team to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, saying, “If you ask the Indian team, I am sure they would be eager to come and play in Pakistan.”
Although Nawaz Sharif acknowledged the challenges of past disputes, he remained optimistic about the future. In an interview with Indian journalist Barkha Dutt on October 14, he expressed his long-standing support for strengthening India Pakistan relations, both diplomatically and in sports. He reiterated his hope for a meeting with Prime Minister Modi in the near future, expressing his desire to revive the relationship between the two countries.
Pakistan is gearing up to host one of its most significant cricketing events as the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule has been unveiled. Set to run from 19 February to 9 March 2025, the tournament will be played in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. This marks the first time in years that Pakistan will host such a major international event, generating excitement among cricket fans globally.
However, despite the buzz around the tournament, India’s participation remains uncertain due to strained political relations, as the BCCI has opted not to send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025.
