Since India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar returned from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, celebrations have erupted in Pakistan. What sparked this newfound optimism among the people of Pakistan?
Historic Direct Dialogue
For the first time since 2015, India and Pakistan’s foreign ministers engaged in direct talks at the SCO summit. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar held two discussions within a span of 24 hours, igniting hopes among Pakistanis.
Cricket on the Agenda?
A report from the Indian Express suggests that the conversation hinted at a potential revival of cricketing ties between the two nations. While sources emphasized that these discussions are in the early stages and that both sides need to evaluate the situation, the talks signify a thaw in relations that have been tense for years.
The Champions Trophy Possibility
The discussions raise the question of whether India will participate in the Champions Trophy, which Pakistan is set to host next February. Speculations have already been circulating about the Indian cricket team’s possible attendance.
A Casual Encounter
Jaishankar and Dar’s first meeting took place during a dinner hosted by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif for SCO leaders. The two ministers exchanged greetings and engaged in conversation, which continued over lunch the following day after the plenary session.
Shared Interest in Cricket
Sources indicate that cricket, a sport that Jaishankar is passionate about, was a focal point of their discussions. Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Pakistan’s Home Minister and chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, also joined the conversation.
Can Cricket Help Ease Tensions?
There is talk of potentially resuming cricket relations, with the Indian cricket team possibly traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025. While these discussions are still in the preliminary stages, the atmosphere is reported to be more positive than at previous meetings, such as the SCO gathering in Goa in May 2023.
Media Reactions in Pakistan
According to Geo News in Pakistan, India appears open to discussing the resumption of cricket between the two countries. Should this take place, fans could once again witness India and Pakistan clash in a bilateral series. However, official confirmation from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is still pending.
The Last Encounter
The last cricket series between India and Pakistan took place in 2012, and the desire among fans for another matchup is palpable. The enthusiasm surrounding matches between the two teams is remarkable, but ongoing border tensions, terrorism-related incidents, and international opposition have halted any cricketing collaboration.
