India and Pakistan discuss cricket, relations as Jaishankar meets counterpart at SCO summit sidelines

India and Pakistan, two neighbors with a long history of complex relations, recently found an unexpected avenue for conversation — a cricket match. The occasion? The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, where India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met his Pakistani counterpart. Their talks covered a broad range of subjects, including trade, security, and, of course, the shared passion for cricket.

Cricket: More Than Just a Game

For both India and Pakistan, cricket has always been more than just a sport. Since their first match in 1952, the game has reflected the countries' shared history and cultural ties. It has also served as a platform for "Cricket Diplomacy," which took shape in the 1980s, aimed at easing tensions between the two nations.

During their recent discussions, the two ministers touched on the possibility of resuming bilateral cricket matches, which have been on pause since 2012 due to political and security issues. Though both nations share a deep love for the game, bringing cricket back would require broader political consensus.

More Than Cricket: Key Issues on the Table

Cricket may have offered a symbolic starting point, but the conversation between Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart didn’t end there. Security concerns, cross-border terrorism, and trade relations dominated the talks.

India has consistently voiced concerns about terrorist groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, which operate from Pakistan and have been responsible for attacks on Indian soil. Pakistan, meanwhile, emphasized the need for discussions on all outstanding issues, including the ever-contentious Kashmir issue.

Despite the deeply-rooted tensions, both sides recognized the importance of dialogue. The SCO summit, which includes regional heavyweights like China and Russia, provided a neutral setting for these crucial discussions.

The Role of the SCO in India-Pakistan Relations

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization has become a unique platform for India and Pakistan to engage diplomatically. Both nations became full members of the SCO in 2017, and the organization’s focus on regional security, counter-terrorism, and economic cooperation makes it an ideal forum for such conversations.

Although direct bilateral talks between India and Pakistan remain challenging, the presence of other regional powers at the SCO helps to keep communication lines open. This multilateral setting creates a space where discussions, even if informal, can still happen.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

One of the biggest obstacles in India-Pakistan relations is the longstanding mistrust between the two nations. While cricket might offer a softer, more symbolic approach to diplomacy, the core issues of terrorism, border security, and the Kashmir conflict demand more comprehensive and difficult conversations.

Nevertheless, the fact that dialogue is taking place, even on the sidelines of a summit, is a positive step. The future of their relations will depend on sustained efforts to build trust and a commitment to addressing key concerns through meaningful dialogue.

Conclusion

While cricket took center stage as a symbolic topic during Jaishankar's meeting with his Pakistani counterpart at the SCO summit, the conversation quickly shifted to more pressing matters such as terrorism and regional security. Cricket remains an important cultural link between India and Pakistan, but the broader political landscape will need stronger commitments for lasting peace.

Platforms like the SCO offer a critical space for these discussions to continue, allowing both nations to keep talking, even when bilateral talks may seem difficult. The road ahead is complicated, but continued dialogue is the key to any future progress between these two neighbors.