India says Pakistani teams can join multilateral events but bilateral sports remain barred

NEW DELHI: India’s sports ministry has said Pakistani players and teams will be allowed to take part in multilateral sporting events hosted by India, while bilateral contests between the two countries will continue to remain off limits.

In a memorandum, the ministry said India’s approach to international and multilateral competitions, whether held in India or abroad, would be shaped by the practices of global sports bodies as well as the interests of Indian athletes.

“With regard to international and multilateral events, ​in India or abroad, we are guided by the ⁠practices of international sports bodies and the interest of ​our own sportspersons,”

The ministry added that India’s growing profile as a host of major sporting competitions was also a relevant consideration in framing the policy.

“It is ​also relevant to take into account India’s emergence as a credible venue to host international sports events.”

Alongside that position, the ministry said visa procedures for athletes and officials would be eased, while office-bearers of international sports governing organisations would be issued multiple-entry visas.

Bilateral events remain excluded

The memorandum drew a clear distinction between multilateral tournaments and direct bilateral sporting engagements between India and Pakistan.

“In so far as bilateral sports events in each other’s country are concerned, Indian teams will not be ⁠participating in ​competitions in Pakistan. Nor will we ​permit Pakistani teams to play in India,”

The statement comes as India prepares to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030. The country has also submitted bids for the 2036 Olympics and the 2038 Asian Games in Ahmedabad.

Sporting ties affected by wider tensions

Relations between the two countries have also been reflected in recent sporting arrangements. India and Pakistan were involved in a military conflict last year, and the downturn in ties has carried over into sports.

Although India served as co-hosts of the Twenty20 World Cup earlier this year, Pakistan played all of their matches in Sri Lanka, including the group-stage fixture against India. That arrangement was agreed after India declined to play the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

When the two sides met in the ICC Asia Cup last year, it was their first encounter since the military conflict in May 2025. The Indian team did not shake hands with Pakistan’s players either at the toss or after the match.

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav was also reported to have “politicised” India’s victory by referring to the Pahalgam attack in occupied Kashmir and describing the win as “a perfect gift” for his nation.

There has meanwhile been a prolonged halt in bilateral cricket between the two neighbours. They have not played a full series since 2012-13 and now mostly face each other at neutral venues.