The Indian government’s sports ministry has formulated an updated sports policy that continues the ban on bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan. The Indian team will not tour Pakistan, nor will they be allowed to come to India for a bilateral series.
However, the policy has also opened doors for Pakistani sporting stars to visit India for multi-nation events.
In order to establish India as a "preferred sporting destination," the ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to streamlining the visa application process for athletes, team officials, technical staff, and office bearers of international sports governing bodies.
"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 in a circular issued to all National Sports Federations (NSFs), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), among others.
"About 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.
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," it added.
Notably, the Indian and Pakistani cricket teams have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13 and a Test series since 2007. Even Pakistani players are banned from the IPL ever since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
Pakistan has traveled to India to play in the 2016 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ICC World Cup, but India refused to travel to Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
This policy was announced last year after a huge outcry over India’s participation in the Asia Cup 2025 cricket tournament in Dubai. This tournament featured Pakistan and happened a few months after the Pahalgam terrorist attack and Operation Sindoor.
The Ministry claimed that it would not interfere in multilateral cricket engagements unless the host country was Pakistan.
The policy states unequivocally that India, which aspires to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympic Games, will adhere to the Olympic Charter and its inclusive concept in order to position itself as a welcoming host of international events.
"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.
In respect of office-bearers of international sports governing bodies, a multi-entry visa shall be granted on a priority basis for the duration of their official tenure, subject to a maximum period of five years. Due protocol and courtesies, as per established practice, shall be extended to the Heads of International Sports Governing Bodies during their visits to India,” the policy stated.
(PTI inputs)
