New Delhi has reaffirmed a ban on bilateral sporting events, but opened the door to Pakistani players for international events on its soil
The Indian Sports Ministry has fromalized policy for cricketing events with Pakistan, a year after New Delhi imposed curbs on sporting activity with its neighbor following the military standoff between the two countries.
According to the policy published on Tuesday, Pakistani players and teams will be allowed to participate in multilateral events hosted by India. However, the ban on bilateral sporting events will remain in force.
”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 Sports Ministry said.
It added that the visa process for athletes, officials, and representatives of international sports federations from the neighboring country would be simplified.
“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 ministry added.
Cricket, the most popular sport in both India and Pakistan, has long been a victim of political tensions between the two countries. The hostility deepened after the four‑day standoff in May 2025 – one of the most serious military confrontations between the nuclear‑armed neighbors in recent years.
India and Pakistan have not played a full cricket series since 2012-13, and the Asian cricketing powerhouses meet largely at neutral venues. Earlier this year, India co-hosted the T20 cricket World Cup, but the Pakistan team played all its matches in Sri Lanka.
Pakistani players are not taking part in the lucrative Indian Premier League, although it is not clear if this scenario will also change.
India is slated to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, and it has also bid for the 2036 Olympics and the 2038 Asian Games in Ahmedabad.
