Sports diplomacy has emerged as a significant tool for fostering international relations and promoting cultural exchange. In Pakistan, sports, particularly cricket, have played a pivotal role in bridging gaps between nations and enhancing the country’s global image. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, hosted by Pakistan, highlights the potential of sports diplomacy in the region, despite facing geopolitical challenges.
Sports diplomacy involves using sports as a platform to improve diplomatic relations, foster cultural exchange, and promote peace. In Pakistan, cricket is the most popular sport, and its influence extends beyond the field, impacting social and political dynamics. The country has leveraged cricket to enhance its international image and build bridges with other nations, particularly in the South Asian region.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, hosted by Pakistan, marked a significant event in the realm of sports diplomacy, highlighting both the potential and challenges of using cricket as a tool for fostering international relations. The tournament was set against a setting of geopolitical tensions, particularly between Pakistan and India, which have long been intertwined with cricketing relations.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025: A Milestone for Pakistan
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 marked a significant milestone for Pakistan as it returned to hosting major international cricket tournaments after a long hiatus. However, the tournament faced a major setback when India refused to participate in matches held in Pakistan, citing security concerns.
Despite the challenges, the Champions Trophy brought substantial economic benefits to Pakistan. The influx of international teams, officials, and spectators generated significant revenue for sectors like hospitality, transportation, and tourism. Socially, the event rekindled national pride and inspired the younger generation, demonstrating cricket’s unifying force in Pakistan.
Diplomatic Implications
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, hosted by Pakistan, presented a multifaceted landscape of diplomatic implications, particularly in the context of India-Pakistan relations. The tournament highlighted both the potential and challenges of sports diplomacy in bridging political divides.
Cricket has long been a significant tool for diplomacy between India and Pakistan, with matches often serving as a platform for high-level interactions and people-to-people exchanges. However, the 2025 Champions Trophy underscored the limitations of cricket diplomacy in the face of broader political tensions.
- India’s Refusal to Play in Pakistan: India’s decision not to play matches in Pakistan due to security concerns led to a hybrid hosting model, where India played all its matches in Dubai. This decision reflected ongoing political strains and highlighted the challenges in using cricket as a diplomatic tool.
- US Encouragement: The U.S. State Department encouraged sports diplomacy between Pakistan and India, emphasizing the role of sports in connecting people and fostering bilateral relations. This support underscored the international recognition of cricket’s potential in easing tensions.
However, The ICC praised Pakistan for successfully hosting the tournament, despite the challenges posed by India’s absence from matches in Pakistan. This recognition highlighted Pakistan’s capability to organize major international events. The adoption of a hybrid model, where India played its matches in Dubai, was seen as a pragmatic solution to ensure the tournament’s success. However, it also underscored the political dynamics at play, with some arguing it compromised the integrity of the event. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initially expressed dissatisfaction with the hybrid model, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the traditional format of the tournament. This stance reflected Pakistan’s desire to assert its hosting rights and maintain the tournament’s integrity.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025: A Geopolitical Landscape
The Champions Trophy 2025 was marred by geopolitical tensions, particularly between Pakistan and India. India’s refusal to play matches in Pakistan due to security concerns led to a hybrid model being adopted, where India played all its matches in Dubai, a neutral venue. This decision underscored the ongoing political strains between the two nations and highlighted the challenges in using cricket as a diplomatic tool.
Despite these challenges, the tournament brought significant economic benefits to Pakistan through tourism and broadcasting rights. However, the lack of buzz and sparse crowds in Pakistan’s stadiums, coupled with last-minute renovations, dampened the local enthusiasm. The event also served as a unifying force for the nation, inspiring national pride and enthusiasm among fans.
Cricket Diplomacy Between Pakistan and India
Cricket has historically been a tool for diplomacy between Pakistan and India, but its effectiveness is often hindered by broader political tensions. The 2004 series in Pakistan, known as the “Series of Peace,” marked a significant moment in cricket diplomacy, as it was the first time India toured Pakistan in over a decade following the Kargil conflict. This series symbolized hope for better relations, with dignitaries from both countries attending the matches and the spirit of competition overshadowing political tensions.
However, the 1999 Kargil conflict and the 2008 Mumbai attacks led to a freeze in cricketing ties, with India refusing to play Pakistan for several years. Despite these setbacks, cricket has continued to be a topic in back-channel talks aimed at facilitating dialogue between the two nations.
However, The ICC’s decision to accommodate India’s demands by adopting a hybrid model was seen as a pragmatic move to ensure the tournament’s success. However, it also highlighted the financial and political influence of the BCCI within the ICC, which some critics argue undermines the fairness of the sport.
Cricket has historically been a tool for diplomacy between Pakistan and India, two nations with a complex and often tense relationship. Matches between the two countries have provided opportunities for dialogue and have occasionally eased tensions. However, the refusal of India to participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan highlights the ongoing challenges in leveraging cricket diplomacy effectively in the region.
The tournament highlighted the ongoing challenges in leveraging cricket diplomacy effectively in the region:
- Political Mistrust: The stalemate surrounding India’s participation reflected broader political mistrust and the difficulty in separating sport from statecraft in South Asia.
- Security Concerns: India’s refusal to play in Pakistan was rooted in security concerns, which have historically been a major obstacle to cricketing ties between the two nations.
People’s Sentiments During the India-Pakistan Match in Dubai
During the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match in Dubai, public sentiment was mixed. In Pakistan, fans were initially optimistic but later expressed disappointment and frustration following their team’s defeat. Thousands of fans gathered to watch the match on large screens, only to witness a crushing loss to India, with Virat Kohli’s century being a pivotal moment in the game. Some fans called for accountability and better training for the Pakistani team, emphasizing the need for fresh talent and improved fielding skills. Across the border, Indian fans celebrated their team’s victory with jubilation, marking a moment of national pride1.
In a broader context, the match highlighted the complex emotions surrounding India-Pakistan cricket matches. Despite the political tensions, there were instances of sportsmanship and respect, with some Pakistani fans acknowledging India’s superior performance and congratulating them on their win. This mix of emotions underscores the dual role of cricket as both a source of national pride and a potential bridge for diplomatic engagement.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 showcased the complexities and opportunities of sports diplomacy in Pakistan. Despite geopolitical tensions, the event demonstrated Pakistan’s capacity to host major international tournaments, contributing to its economic and social development. However, the absence of India due to security concerns underscores the challenges in fully realizing the potential of cricket diplomacy in the region. As Pakistan continues to leverage sports for diplomatic gains, it remains crucial to address these challenges and foster a more conducive environment for international sporting events.
Aroosa Salahuddin
Managing Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
Aroosa has extensive experience in media, public relations, project management, and strategic communications. With an MPhil in Strategic Studies and a specialization in Pakistan’s digital diplomacy, Aroosa has worked with influential national and international organizations. Her expertise spans advocacy, crisis communication, digital strategy, and stakeholder engagement.
