The Indian government has confirmed that Indian athletes and teams can compete in multi-nation sporting events that include Pakistan, while bilateral contests between the two countries remain off the table. This decision clears the way for India’s participation in the men’s Asia Cup in September and the women’s ODI World Cup in October.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports issued a statement outlining the policy on sporting relations with Pakistan amid strained political ties. However, the statement did not clarify whether Indian athletes can compete in multilateral events hosted in Pakistan.
According to the ministry, Indian teams will not travel to Pakistan for bilateral series, nor will Pakistan be allowed to play bilateral matches in India. The policy reiterates India’s long-standing position on cricket and other sports with its neighbor.
The guidelines allow Indian and Pakistani sportspersons to face each other in international or multilateral events, whether hosted in India or other countries. Pakistani players will also be permitted to compete in similar events hosted in India.
The statement comes just weeks before the Asia Cup, which begins on September 9 in the UAE. India and Pakistan, placed in the same group, are scheduled to meet on September 14 in Dubai. This will be their first encounter since tensions escalated following the Pahalgam terror attack in April.
Calls for India to cut all sporting ties with Pakistan had intensified in recent months. During July’s World Championship of Legends, featuring retired cricketers, both matches between India and Pakistan were abandoned, and the India Champions withdrew from their semi-final against Pakistan Champions.
The ministry also announced plans to simplify the visa process for athletes, officials, and representatives of international sports bodies to make India a preferred destination for global events. Multi-entry visas for office-bearers of international sports governing bodies will be granted for up to five years to facilitate smooth participation in events hosted in India.
The statement formalizes the unwritten policy that has governed India-Pakistan sports relations for more than a decade.