US advocates sports diplomacy amid India’s ICC Champions Trophy boycott.

Washington, DC— The United States has voiced its support for sports diplomacy following India’s decision not to send its cricket team to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place in Pakistan. The refusal has intensified tensions between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), leading to uncertainty about the tournament’s schedule.

India’s stance has delayed the release of the official schedule. The International Cricket Council (ICC) was expected to announce the tournament lineup on November 11 in Lahore. Still, the event was cancelled due to the unresolved dispute between the two cricket boards.

The Champions Trophy’s location, scheduled to be held from February 19 to March 9, has become a significant point of contention. Pakistan has remained steadfast in opposing a hybrid model for the tournament, which would allow India to play its matches in a neutral venue. Instead, Pakistan has proposed hosting all of India’s matches in Lahore.

During a recent press briefing in Washington, Vedant Patel, Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, responded to a question on India’s decision to boycott. Patel underscored the importance of sports diplomacy, viewing it as a means of fostering unity and connecting people across borders. When asked if sports and politics should be separated, Patel emphasised the role of sports as a bridge in international relations.