The Indian Sports Ministry has declared a new policy regarding sporting relations with Pakistan, stating that there will be no bilateral sporting ties between the two nations. This unprecedented decision means that Indian teams will not participate in competitions in Pakistan, and Pakistani teams will not be allowed to play in India for any bilateral sporting events. This policy extends even to neutral venues, effectively ruling out any possibility of an India-Pakistan cricket series on home soil or away.
However, the ministry has clarified that this policy will not prevent the Indian cricket team from participating in the upcoming Asia Cup in the UAE, which begins on September 9. As the Asia Cup is a multi-lateral engagement, the team will be allowed to compete. This means that the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match on September 14, and potentially another on September 21, will still take place.
The Sports Ministry source stated that the new policy is effective immediately. The decision reflects India's overall approach to its relationship with Pakistan. According to the ministry, India will be guided by the practices of international sports bodies and the interests of its own sportspersons when it comes to international and multilateral events, whether held in India or abroad. The ministry also took into account India's emergence as a credible venue for hosting international sports events.
This stance aligns with the Olympic Charter, ensuring India's participation in global and continental events. It means that Indian teams and athletes will continue to compete in tournaments that also feature Pakistan, and Pakistani athletes will be able to participate in multilateral events hosted by India.
The last bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan took place in the 2012-13 season. Since then, the teams have only faced each other in ICC and ACC events, such as the World Cup, T20 World Cup, and Asia Cup. India had previously refused to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup in 2023 and the Champions Trophy in 2025, citing security concerns, which led to those tournaments being held at neutral venues. Similarly, Pakistan's hockey team declined to travel to India for the Asia Cup Hockey, scheduled to begin on September 28 in Rajgir.
The new policy draws a clear distinction between bilateral and multilateral sporting events. While bilateral sporting ties remain suspended, India will not obstruct multilateral tournaments. This decision ensures that the Indian cricket team can participate in the Asia Cup, allowing fans to witness the high-profile India-Pakistan clashes.
