The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has instructed all national sports federations to seek prior consultation and approval before participating in any sporting events held in India, citing security concerns. The decision was made during the 34th board meeting on July 23, 2025. The PSB has issued a circular to all national federations, urging them to strictly adhere to this directive.
The directive from the PSB states that "In view of the current security situation, no national federation shall make any commitment or agreement regarding participation in sports events in India without prior permission from PSB". The PSB clarified that this policy is being implemented to ensure the safety of Pakistani athletes and officials, given the current regional security situation. The sports officials have been instructed to adhere strictly to the new guidelines, and any violation could result in disciplinary action.
This decision comes amid already heightened tensions and a history of reluctance from both countries to send teams across the border. Teams have often opted to play in neutral venues using a hybrid model. The relationship between India and Pakistan has been strained by political tensions, which have cast a shadow over bilateral sporting events, causing major tournaments to hang in the balance.
The PSB's decision is based on the prevailing security concerns. Tensions between India and Pakistan have reportedly increased after a terror attack in Pahalgam earlier in 2025, which resulted in the death of 26 tourists. India blamed Pakistan for the attack, but Islamabad denied the accusation. The incident triggered diplomatic measures and a military conflict until a ceasefire was announced in May.
Earlier media reports had suggested that Pakistan would not travel to India for upcoming hockey tournaments because of security concerns, potentially jeopardizing their place in the next year's World Cup. In May, the captain of Pakistan's national hockey team, Imad Shakeel Butt, called for the relocation of the Asia Cup 2025 from India, citing escalating political tensions between the two countries.
Last week, a cricket match between Indian and Pakistani veteran players, part of the World Championship of Legends, was called off after Indian players, including Shikhar Dhawan, refused to play against Pakistan, citing the tensions between the two nations.
India is scheduled to host the women's 50-overs World Cup this year, but Pakistan will play all their matches in Sri Lanka under an arrangement made by the International Cricket Council. India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy this year and played all their matches, including the final, in Dubai.
Sources suggest that Pakistan has consistently advocated for keeping politics separate from sport. However, they allege that India has politicized the sporting space and created a hostile environment for visiting athletes, particularly those from Pakistan.
