India chose to skip the South Asian Athletics Federation (SAAF) Cross-Country Championships in Islamabad, Pakistan, on February 23, continuing its stance of avoiding sporting events in the neighboring country due to security concerns.

Meanwhile, in cricket, the Indian men’s team secured a commanding victory over Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy match in Dubai.

The Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) had earlier confirmed India’s participation in the championship, which was being hosted in the country for the first time in over 70 years.

However, India, along with Bhutan, withdrew from the event at the last moment, without an official explanation from Indian authorities.

“India and Bhutan decided not to attend at the last moment for some reason,” the organizers stated in a press conference.

Despite this, five South Asian nations—Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, and Bangladesh—competed at Fatima Jinnah Park in Islamabad. The championship featured two races: an 8km event for U-20 men and a 10km event for senior men.

India’s stance on sporting events in Pakistan

Since the 2019 Pulwama attacks, India has consistently refrained from sending sports teams to Pakistan, citing security concerns. The latest withdrawal aligns with India’s broader policy, which has also affected cricketing ties.

Earlier, when Pakistan was named the host of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to send the Indian team across the border.

This led to the International Cricket Council (ICC) moving India’s matches to a neutral venue in Dubai.

India triumphs in Cricket over Pakistan

Despite India’s absence, Pakistan made history at the SAAF Cross-Country Championships, clinching gold in both the senior (10km) and junior (8km) categories. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh took silver and bronze in the senior race, while Nepal secured bronze in the junior category.

Meanwhile, in Dubai, India delivered a clinical performance against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, with Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century guiding the team to a comfortable six-wicket victory.

The win further cemented India’s dominance over Pakistan in ICC tournaments.