The Indian government has officially laid down Pakistan’s sports policy, making its stance clear on how athletes from the neighboring country will be dealt with.
The Indian government has decided to allow Pakistani players to participate in multilateral events organized by India, but the ban on bilateral ties remains in place. This decision has come in view of the Pahalgam terrorist attack and Operation Sindoor in 2025.
key points
- The Indian government has officially clarified its sports policy regarding Pakistani teams and athletes.
- Pakistan players and teams will be allowed to participate in multilateral events organized in India.
- Bilateral sports relations between India and Pakistan will still remain suspended.
- This move may impact future ICC tournaments and other multinational sporting events held in India.
Indian government opens doors for Pakistani teams in global events; There will be a ban on bilateral relations
An office memorandum has been issued by the Sports Ministry stating that there will be an easier and faster visa process for Pakistani athletes and officials, and they can compete on Indian soil in international competitions.
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However, the government has made it clear that India and Pakistan will still not have bilateral relations, but they will face each other at the global event. It has been confirmed that India will neither travel to Pakistan nor allow its players to participate in bilateral events.
The Indian Express quoted the office memorandum as saying: “Pakistani players and teams will be able to participate in multilateral events organized by India. As far as bilateral sporting events in each other’s country are concerned, Indian teams will not participate in competitions in Pakistan. Nor will we allow Pakistani teams to play in India. We are guided by the practices of international sporting bodies and the interest of our own players.”
At the same time, even if Pakistan is playing, India will still play in the international tournament. And if India is hosting a big tournament with many countries, then Pakistani players will also be allowed to come and play in India.
Government maintains balance between politics and sports with clear strategy
Meanwhile, the government has also stressed that India is handling sports with Pakistan the same way it handles overall relations with them.
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It reiterated that India will not play direct matches or series with Pakistan, but in major international tournaments it will follow global rules and allow them to play. The government says India is trying to strike a balance between politics and sports without breaking international norms.
The memo further reads: “With regard to international and multilateral events in India or abroad, we are guided by the practices of international sporting bodies and the interest of our own players. It is also relevant to take into account India’s emergence as a credible venue for hosting international sporting events.”
India to offer priority multiple-entry visa for Pakistanis
The government also said that international federation officials will be given ‘multi-entry visas… for a maximum period of five years’ on priority basis for the duration of their official tenure, to ensure ‘smooth movement as per international norms’, including Pakistani players.
“This (simplified visa process) will facilitate their smooth movement into and within the country, in accordance with international norms,” the memo said.
