The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has found itself at the centre of a fresh diplomatic controversy involving Pakistan after a promotional video for the upcoming Afghanistan-India series appeared to depict Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit-Baltistan within India’s outline. The promotional video was shared by the ACB on its official X account on Sunday, just days before Afghanistan begin their three-match series against India in New Delhi.
The map used in the promotional material quickly drew attention in Pakistan, where the depiction was viewed as politically sensitive. According to sources cited by CNN-News18, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has raised concerns about the map depiction with Pakistan’s Foreign Office. The precise nature of the concerns reportedly communicated by the PCB has not been made public.
The same report suggested that Islamabad could consider taking the matter to an international platform, although no formal diplomatic action had been announced at the time of reporting. The controversy comes against the backdrop of increasingly strained relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The two neighbouring countries have faced disagreements over border and security matters, with tensions escalating through border clashes and reported airstrikes.
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Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban of allowing Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants to operate from Afghan territory. Islamabad holds the group responsible for several deadly attacks inside Pakistan, allegations that have contributed to the deterioration in bilateral relations.
Indian intelligence sources, as cited by CNN-News18, suggested that the tensions between Kabul and Islamabad could increasingly spill into areas of soft power, including sports and cultural events. They interpreted the map used in the ACB’s promotional material as potentially reflecting Kabul’s desire to maintain an independent foreign policy and strengthen its engagement with India.
A series the nation has been eagerly awaiting. 🤩
A series that will once again bring together two nations with deep-rooted history, culture, and a shared passion for the game.🤜🤛
These are more than just matches. They are encounters of passion, excitement, and significance,… pic.twitter.com/Q8h7MYX1yf
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) September 6, 2026
“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. Meanwhile, the ACB’s promotional message focused on the sporting significance of the series rather than the political controversy surrounding the map.
“A series that will once again bring together two nations,” the board wrote, describing the matches as a meeting between countries with “deep-rooted history, culture, and a shared passion” for cricket. The ACB added that the fixtures represent more than cricket matches and highlighted the hopes and pride associated with the Afghanistan team.
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Afghanistan and India will face each other in three matches at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi on September 13, 15 and 17. With the series approaching, the map controversy has added an unexpected diplomatic dimension to what was otherwise expected to be an important cricketing contest.
