ISLAMABAD: Sana Ullah Khan Mastikhel, chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), has criticised the Indian government for trying to get political mileage through sports by refusing NOC to its team to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

“Pakistan is a safe country as we have proved it time and again. Every notable international cricket team has travelled to Pakistan for Test and limited-over matches. India is trying to get political mileage out of sports which is a clear indication of Hindu extremism.”

He added that the ICC should ensure India’s participation in the Champions Trophy.

“We must keep sports separate from country’s politics. India government has no genuine reason to decline the NOC to their cricket team as it is against the international norms. When we play matches in India why India refuse to come over.”