Pakistani Journalist Questions US Official on India Skipping Champions Trophy
The Pakistan Cricket Board has expressed its disagreement with India's decision to not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, an issue that has caused ripples in cricketing and diplomatic circles. The BCCI has recently informed the ICC regarding this stance, stating concerns on security and political issues, which leaves the PCB seeking an explanation. While the ICC continues to moot for middle ground, such as a hybrid model, Pakistan does not seem to look for any kind of middle ground.
US Official on Champions Trophy Dispute
Adding an interesting spin to the controversy, on 14 November a Pakistani journalist raised the issue at the US Department of State's daily press briefing. He asked Vedant Patel, principal deputy spokesperson, for his reaction to India refusing to take part and whether politics in sports was right.
Pet Patel, caught off guard, dished out a joke, saying, Cricket? Oh, I didn't have that on my bingo card. Go ahead. The journalist explained the significance of the Champions Trophy, noting India’s absence due to political tensions. Patel, however, emphasized that the issue is strictly a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan. “It’s for them to address, whether through sports or other matters. We’re not involved, but sports is undoubtedly a powerful and unifying force, he said.
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Patel also referred to the role of sports diplomacy: it plays an equally important role in creating human ties. It's a fantastic way to connect people, something this administration really cares deeply about, Patel said, recalling that the US Department of State has always been consistent in its support for sports as a means of creating people-to-people bonds.
His remarks recalled the wider function of sports in diplomacy, but avoided taking sides in India versus Pakistan cricketing standoff with the issue firmly left to the two nations to work out.
