India Formalizes Cricket Policy on Pakistan Participation in Multilateral Events

(MENAFN) India has introduced a new policy clarifying its approach to sporting engagements with Pakistan, particularly in cricket, following heightened tensions between the two countries over the past year.

The Indian Sports Ministry, in a statement issued on Tuesday, confirmed that Pakistani athletes and teams will be permitted to participate in international and multilateral tournaments hosted in India. However, restrictions on bilateral sporting ties between the two nations will remain unchanged, as stated by reports.

Officials noted that decisions regarding participation in global and multi-nation events—whether held in India or abroad—will align with international sporting regulations and national sporting interests. The ministry also said that visa procedures for athletes, officials, and international sports representatives from Pakistan will be made more efficient.

At the same time, the policy explicitly maintains the ban on direct bilateral competitions. “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 stated.

Cricket, a major sport in both countries, has long been affected by political tensions. Relations in this area deteriorated further after a military standoff in 2025, which deepened restrictions on sporting exchanges between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

India and Pakistan have not held a full bilateral cricket series since 2012–13, with encounters between the two sides largely limited to neutral venues in international tournaments. Earlier this year, during a co-hosted T20 World Cup, Pakistan’s matches were played in Sri Lanka instead of India.

Pakistani players also remain absent from the Indian Premier League, one of the world’s most lucrative cricket leagues, with no clear indication yet of any policy shift on that issue.

India is also preparing to host major international sporting events in the coming years, including the Commonwealth Games in 2030, while it has submitted bids for the 2036 Olympic Games and the 2038 Asian Games to be held in Ahmedabad.

MENAFN10052026000045017281ID1111092564