Amid a major controversy over the Indian cricket team’s decision to play the 2025 Asia Cup, where the Men in Blue are likely to face Pakistan three times, the Indian government has formed a strict policy over sporting ties with Pakistan just months after Operation Sindoor.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) have clarified that there will be no bilateral matches between the two countries. Nor will any Indian team be allowed to participate in any bilateral sporting competition against Pakistan, nor will a team from Pakistan be allowed to play in India.
Indian Government Confirms Asia Cup Participation With Olympic Bid Key Behind Call
However, the government has clarified that India will be allowed to play Pakistan in multi-nation events, which confirms that the Men in Blue will take part in the continental showpiece events and also play against the Men in Green in future International Cricket Council (ICC) events.
The MYAS has stressed the need to build India as a ‘credible venue to host International Sporting events’ which means they need to follow the Olympic charter and be guided by ‘practices of international sports bodies’ as well as ‘interests of our own sportspersons.’
The development comes at a time when India is bidding to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and 2036 Olympics which makes it important for the country to follow the Olympic charter.
The Sports Ministry also stated that in order to make India a ‘preferred destination for hosting international sporting events’, the visa process will be simplified for sportspersons, team officials, technical personnel, and office-bearers of International Sports Governing Bodies.
” In respect of office-bearers of International Sports Governing Bodies, a multi-entry visa shall be granted on priority basis for the duration of their official tenure, subject to a maximum period of five years. This shall facilitate their smooth movement into and within the country, in accordance with international norms. Due protocol and courtesies, as per established practice, shall be extended to to the Heads of International Sports Governing Bodies during their visits to India,” the MYAS further specified.
It has further emerged as per sources that for multi-national events on Pakistan soil, a decision will be taken by the government. It has also emerged that the decision has been taken in consulation with the Ministory of Home Affairs as well as the Ministy of External Affairs.
India-Pakistan Sporting Ties Resume
The Indian men’s cricket team will play Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup on 14th September, while the women in Blue will face the Women in Green in the 2025 Women’s World Cup on October 6 in Colombo.
Pakistan were allowed to play and granted visas for the 2025 Men’s Hockey Asia Cup later this month in Bihar, but they pulled out of the tournament.