No back channel diplomacy with India on Champions Trophy: Pakistan Foreign Office

Pakistan on Thursday said that no back channel diplomacy was going on with India after neighbouring country refused to send its cricket team for Champions Trophy to be held in February-March next year.

spokesperson of Foreign Office, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, was asked questions at weekly press briefing regarding status of cricket tournament scheduled to be held in Pakistan early next year.

“re is no back channel with India to specifically discuss Champions Trophy and bilateral Cricket between Pakistan and India,” she said.

She ded that furr details with regards to holding of Champions Trophy in Pakistan and participation of various teams was available with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which can share any furr details.

Baloch went on to say that sports events should not be mixed with politics.

“Pakistan has always said that sports should not be politicized,” she said.

Asked wher Pakistan plans to go ahe with Champions Trophy if India persisted with its refusal to send its team, she said that PCB was in contact with International Cricket Council (ICC) to discuss arrangements, including participation of different teams in tournament.

“We would refer you to Pakistan Cricket Board for any comments or clarification with regards to this issue,” she said.

BCCI has informed ICC about its inability to travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy. world body, in turn, has sought a response from PCB on hosting tournament in a hybrid model.

A hybrid model was followed during Asia Cup last year, when India's matches were held in Sri Lanka while or matches were played in Pakistan.