Islamabad: Pakistan said on Thursday that there were no behind-the-scenes talks going on with India after the neighboring country refused to send its cricket team for the Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in February-March next year. Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zehra Baloch was asked at the weekly press conference about the status of the cricket tournament scheduled to be held in Pakistan early next year. "No behind-the-scenes talks are going on with India to exclusively discuss the Champions Trophy and bilateral cricket between Pakistan and India," she said.

Sports should not be mixed with politics.

He said that detailed information regarding the organization of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the participation of various teams is available with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and it can share any further information. Baloch further said that sports tournaments should not be mixed with politics. He said, 'Pakistan has always said that sports should not be politicized.'

PCB is in touch with the ICC

Asked if Pakistan would continue with its plans to host the Champions Trophy if India refuses to send a team, he said the PCB is in touch with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to discuss arrangements, including the participation of various teams in the tournament. "We would ask you to refer to the Pakistan Cricket Board for any comments or clarifications on this issue," he said.

ICC has sought a response from Pakistan on a hybrid model

The BCCI has informed the ICC about its inability to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. In response, the world governing body has sought a response from the PCB on hosting the tournament in a 'hybrid model'. During the Asia Cup last year, India's matches were held in Sri Lanka as per the 'hybrid model' while the other matches were played in Pakistan.