1 hr ago
Afghan Cricket Promo Map Triggers Fresh Pakistan Diplomatic Row
The Afghanistan Cricket Board made a video to promote cricket matches against India.
The video appeared to draw a map that included areas claimed by Pakistan inside India’s outline.
Pakistan objected to how the map was shown.
Its cricket board reportedly told the Pakistan Foreign Office about the concern.
Pakistan may discuss the issue internationally, but it has not officially done so yet.
Afghanistan and Pakistan are already arguing about borders and security.
Pakistan also accuses the Afghan Taliban of sheltering a group blamed for attacks in Pakistan.
The cricket matches are scheduled to take place in New Delhi on September 13, 15 and 17.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board shared a promotional video for its India series on September 6, 2026.
The video appeared to show Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan within India’s outline.
The Pakistan Cricket Board reportedly raised concerns with Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
Pakistan could consider taking the map issue to an international forum, though no formal move was announced.
The three-match India-Afghanistan series is scheduled for September 13, 15 and 17 in New Delhi.
- Who
- The Afghanistan Cricket Board, Pakistan Cricket Board, Pakistan’s Foreign Office, India and Pakistan are involved in the dispute.
- What
- An Afghanistan Cricket Board promotional video for its India series appeared to depict Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan within India’s outline.
- Where
- The matches will be played at Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi, India.
- When
- The promo was shared on September 6, 2026; the series is scheduled for September 13, 15 and 17, 2026.
- Why
- The map depiction prompted Pakistani concerns amid already strained Afghanistan-Pakistan relations over border and security issues.
Afghanistan’s Position
Pakistan’s Position
Map depiction
Afghanistan’s Position
The Afghanistan Cricket Board used the promotional material to advertise its upcoming cricket series against India and described the matches as bringing together two nations.
Pakistan’s Position
Pakistan objected to the apparent depiction of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan as part of India and reportedly conveyed its concerns through the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Regional message
Afghanistan’s Position
Indian intelligence sources interpreted the depiction as potentially signaling Kabul’s independent foreign policy and willingness to engage with India without accommodating Pakistan’s sensitivities.
Pakistan’s Position
The map was viewed by Pakistan as a source of diplomatic concern, with Islamabad reportedly considering whether to raise the issue internationally.
Key facts
- Promoter
- Afghanistan Cricket Board
- Disputed depiction
- Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan appeared within India’s outline
- Reported Pakistani response
- The Pakistan Cricket Board raised concerns with the Pakistan Foreign Office
- Potential next step
- Pakistan could consider raising the issue internationally; no formal move was announced
- Series
- Three-match India-Afghanistan cricket series
- Match dates
- September 13, 15 and 17, 2026
- Venue
- Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium, New Delhi
Quotes
An Indian intelligence source
An Indian intelligence source cited by CNN-News18 regarding the map’s diplomatic significance
“These are more than just matches. They are encounters of passion, excitement, and significance, where AfghanAtalan will take the field, carrying the hopes and pride of millions back home,”
news18.com
“Utilising its own branding to bypass Pakistan’s regional sensitivities signals Kabul’s intent to maintain an independent foreign posture in sports diplomacy.”
news18.com
Sources
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