Pakistan has strongly criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC) for making what it called an “unverified and irresponsible claim” regarding the deaths of Afghan cricketers in Pakistan. Officials said the ICC’s remarks were “baseless” and could damage diplomatic and sporting relations between the two countries.
ICC Statement Sparks Outrage
The controversy began when the ICC reportedly mentioned in a media briefing that a group of Afghan cricketers had died in Pakistan under unclear circumstances. Pakistani authorities immediately denied the claim, saying no such incident had been confirmed by any official or credible source.
The Foreign Office released a statement rejecting the ICC’s comments, calling them “unfounded and misleading.” It said, “Pakistan strongly condemns the circulation of such claims without verification. These remarks are not only factually incorrect but also irresponsible, given the sensitivity of the issue.”
Demand for Clarification
Pakistan has formally asked the ICC to clarify its statement and provide evidence, if any, to support the claim. Officials also demanded that the organization issue an immediate correction to avoid fueling unnecessary tensions between the two countries.
“Such allegations, if left unaddressed, can harm both diplomatic relations and sporting ties. We expect the ICC to act responsibly,” the statement added.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also expressed disappointment, saying the sport should not be used to spread unverified information. “Pakistan has always welcomed Afghan players and supported the development of cricket in Afghanistan,” a PCB spokesperson said.
Emphasis on Verification
Government officials said the ICC should have verified the information through proper channels before making any public comments. They also reminded the organization that Pakistan and Afghanistan share a deep love for cricket, and thousands of Afghan players have trained and played in Pakistan over the years.
“Spreading unverified news can create unnecessary panic and mistrust,” a government official said. “Pakistan stands by its commitment to support Afghan cricket and ensure the safety of all athletes on its soil.”
Call for Responsible Communication
The Foreign Office also urged international organizations to communicate responsibly, especially when the matter involves sensitive issues like cross-border relations and sports diplomacy. “The ICC must remember that its words carry weight,” the statement noted. “This is why accuracy is extremely important.”
Analysts say the issue could have been avoided if the ICC had verified the report through official sources in both countries. They also believe that cricket should remain a bridge of friendship between Pakistan and Afghanistan, not a cause of misunderstanding.
Afghan Side Yet to Respond
As of now, Afghan cricket officials have not issued any official statement regarding the ICC’s claim. However, reports suggest that both sides are in contact through diplomatic and sporting channels to address the misunderstanding.
Pakistan has made it clear that it expects an official clarification from the ICC. The government said it will continue to support Afghan cricket and hopes the incident will be resolved quickly.