India skip athletics event in Pakistan on same day of Champions Trophy clash in Dubai

An Indian team skipped the South Asian Athletics Federation Cross-Country Championships in Pakistan on the same day as the men's cricket teams of the nations played the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy match in Dubai.

The Athletics Federation of Pakistan, which hosted the SAAF event after more than seven decades, said the Indian athletics body had agreed to send its team. But "India and Bhutan decided not to attend at the last moment for some reason", the organisers said in a press conference.

In addition to the hosts, Pakistan, four other SAAF countries - Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, and Bangladesh - participated in the one-day event held at Fatima Jinnah Park (F-9 Park) in Islamabad on Sunday. Two events—an 8km race for under-20 men and a 10km race for senior men—were held at the championships.

Since the 2019 Pulwama Attacks carried out by a Pakistan-based terrorist group, Indian sports teams have refused to visit the neighbouring country due to security concerns.

When Pakistan was declared host of the Champions Trophy, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) took a firm stand that it would not send its team across the border.

The BCCI's unwavering stand forced the ICC (International Cricket Council) to opt for Dubai as a neutral venue to accommodate Team India. Should India reach the title match of the premier 50-over event, Pakistan will miss the chance to host the grand final.