“India’s approach to sports events involving Pakistan reflects its overall policy in dealing with that country,” states the Ministry policy.
File Photo: IANS
The Union Sports Ministry on Thursday ended speculation over India’s sporting engagements with Pakistan, announcing a new policy that bars all bilateral competitions between the two nations, while allowing participation in multilateral events such as next month’s cricket Asia Cup.
“India’s approach to sports events involving Pakistan reflects its overall policy in dealing with that country,” states the Ministry policy.
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“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,” it added.
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However, the ministry clarified that this restriction does not extend to multilateral tournaments organised by international bodies.
“With regard to international and multilateral events, in India or abroad, we are guided by the practices of international sports bodies and the interests of our own sportspersons. It is also relevant to take into account India’s emergence as a credible venue to host international sports events.”
“Accordingly, Indian teams and individual players will take part in international events that also have teams or players from Pakistan. Similarly, Pakistani players and teams will be able to participate in such multilateral events hosted by India,” the ministry added.
The ministry’s announcement comes amid growing public reaction to the September 14 match between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup.
Earlier, the debate over India’s participation in the Asia Cup had been brewing ever since the schedule was confirmed last month, with tensions heightened by the Pahalgam terror attack in April. Speculation even grew that India’s pullout could jeopardise the tournament itself, before the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) put an end to the uncertainty with its official announcement in late July.
The controversy also escalated after the Yuvraj Singh-led India Champions team pulled out of two scheduled clashes against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends, including the semifinal.
The uncertainty flared up again in Mumbai on Tuesday, when India’s T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav was quizzed about India’s participation on September 14. The team’s media manager quickly stepped in, directing reporters to confine their questions to squad selection.
India are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, UAE and Oman in the Asia Cup, slated to be hosted in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from September 9-25.
Steps towards preferred global sporting destination
The government also underlined its efforts to make India a preferred global sporting destination. This includes simplifying visa processes for foreign athletes, officials, and administrators.
The policy also ensures that heads of international sports organisations get proper treatment when they visit India. They’ll receive standard protocol and courtesies, following established practices. This approach helps India maintain good relationships with global sports bodies while protecting its national interests.
“To position India as a preferred destination for hosting international sporting events, the visa process for sportspersons, team officials, technical personnel and office-bearers of International Sports Governing Bodies shall be simplified,” the ministry said.
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