India will allow Pakistani athletes and teams to participate in multilateral sporting events hosted in India while maintaining its ban on bilateral sporting ties between the two nations, including cricket. India’s Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry said in a memorandum seen by AFP that the policy would remain aligned with international governing body regulations and India’s wider sporting interests.
The clarification comes as India intensifies preparations and bids for several major hosting bids over the next decade, including its confirmed hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games, and its bids for the 2036 Olympic Games and the 2038 Asian Games in Ahmedabad. The latest position is also expected to ease concerns around athlete access and participation requirements at internationally sanctioned tournaments staged in India.
Bilateral cricket ties remain suspended
India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral cricket series since 2012-13, with matches between the two countries now largely limited to ICC and Asian Cricket Council events at neutral venues. Political tensions between the neighbouring countries have repeatedly affected sporting relations, particularly following last year’s military conflict.
India’s sports ministry said: “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.”
While bilateral contests remain off the table, the ministry indicated that India would continue following international sporting regulations for global and regional competitions involving Pakistan.
The ministry added: “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.”
India pushes global hosting ambitions
India has increasingly positioned itself as a long-term destination for major international sporting events as it seeks to strengthen its standing within global sports governance. Earlier this year, the country co-hosted the 2026 T20 World Cup, although Pakistan played all of its matches in Sri Lanka, including its fixture against India.
The ministry said: “It is also relevant to take into account India’s emergence as a credible venue to host international sports events.”
The updated policy also includes plans to simplify visa procedures for athletes, officials and media representatives travelling for international competitions. Office bearers from global sporting organisations are also expected to receive multi-entry visas under the revised framework.
International tournaments involving Pakistan will continue
The ministry separately confirmed that Indian athletes and teams would continue participating in international competitions involving Pakistan in line with global governing body regulations. The position is likely to remain significant for cricket scheduling given the regular meetings between the two countries at ICC and ACC tournaments.
The ministry stated: “Indian teams and individual players would continue to take part in international tournaments that include Pakistan, in line with the practices of global governing bodies and in the interest of Indian sportspersons.”
In recent years, international federations have faced growing pressure over venue arrangements, scheduling and visa access involving India-Pakistan fixtures. India’s latest policy clarification is expected to form part of its broader effort to strengthen confidence among global sporting bodies ahead of future hosting decisions.
