India’s sports ministry has confirmed that there will be no bilateral sporting ties between India and Pakistan, not even on neutral grounds, under a new policy that has been implemented immediately. However, Indian officials clarified that the national cricket team will still participate in the upcoming Asia Cup in Dubai next month as it is a multilateral event.
The decision reflects ongoing political tensions between the two countries, which have historically impacted bilateral sporting engagements. In the past, both countries have opted for neutral venues, avoiding travel across borders due to security concerns.
Earlier this year, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) instructed national sports federations to seek approval before participating in any events held in India, citing similar security issues.
The new Indian policy prohibits Indian athletes from traveling to Pakistan for bilateral competitions and vice versa, although it leaves room for multilateral engagements. The ministry noted that such events would be assessed on a case-by-case basis, particularly if they involve teams or players from Pakistan.
The policy also emphasizes India’s growing status as a hub for international sports events and its intention to prioritize the interests of its own athletes while adhering to international sports body guidelines.
