Afghan Cricket Board’s Promo Maps PoK, Gilgit-Baltistan As India, Sparks Pakistan Anger

Last Updated:September 08, 2026, 02:24 IST

The promo was shared by the ACB on its official X account on Sunday, days ahead of the three-match India-Afghanistan series in New Delhi.

Screengrab of the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s promo shared on X.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has triggered a fresh diplomatic row with Pakistan after a promotional video for its upcoming series against India appeared to show Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit-Baltistan within India’s outline.

The promo was shared by the ACB on its official X account on Sunday, days ahead of the three-match India-Afghanistan series in New Delhi.

Sources told CNN-News18 that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has raised concerns over the map depiction with the Pakistan Foreign Office. The exact nature of the concerns conveyed by the PCB was not immediately known.

The source further stated that Islamabad could consider raising the issue at an international level, although no formal move has been announced so far.

The development comes at a time of sharply strained relations between Kabul and Islamabad, with the two sides locked in disputes over border and security issues.

Map row adds to Kabul-Islamabad tensions

The latest controversy comes amid escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, including border clashes and airstrikes. Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban of providing shelter to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Pakistan blames for deadly attacks inside the country.

Top Indian intelligence sources told CNN-News18 that such friction can increasingly play out through soft power, including cultural and sporting platforms.

According to the sources, the map depiction could be seen as a diplomatic signal from Kabul, indicating its independent foreign policy and willingness to engage with India without accommodating Pakistan’s regional sensitivities.

“Utilising its own branding to bypass Pakistan’s regional sensitivities signals Kabul’s intent to maintain an independent foreign posture in sports diplomacy,” the source said.

ACB promotes India series

The ACB shared the promo with a message highlighting the significance of the upcoming series.

“A series that will once again bring together two nations,” it said, describing the matches as encounters between two nations with “deep-rooted history, culture, and a shared passion” for cricket.

“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,” the ACB in its post wrote.

The series between Afghanistan and India will be played on September 13, 15 and 17 at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi.

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Why did the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s promo video spark a diplomatic row with Pakistan?

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) released a promotional video for its upcoming series against India that depicted Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit-Baltistan as part of India. This map depiction led to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) raising concerns with the Pakistan Foreign Office, potentially escalating the issue internationally.

When and where will the India-Afghanistan cricket series take place?

The three-match India-Afghanistan cricket series is scheduled to be played on September 13, 15, and 17, 2026. All matches will be held at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi.

What is the current state of relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan?

Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan are currently strained, marked by disputes over border and security issues, including border clashes and airstrikes. Pakistan has accused the Afghan Taliban of sheltering the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which it blames for attacks within Pakistan.

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Manoj Gupta

Group Editor, Investigations and Security Affairs, Network18

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