India Declines Bilateral Sports with Pakistan, Confirms Participation in Asia Cup 2025
India Declines Bilateral Sports with Pakistan, Confirms Participation in Asia Cup 2025
The Indian government has reaffirmed its stance of not engaging in bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan while allowing participation in multilateral tournaments, including the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, starting September 9.
A senior Sports Ministry official confirmed that India’s men’s cricket team will face Pakistan in the Asia Cup, with high-voltage matches scheduled for September 14 and potentially September 21 in Dubai, and the final on September 29.
Government Policy on Bilateral Events
According to the Sports Ministry, India will neither host Pakistan nor travel across the border for bilateral events. However, participation in international tournaments such as the World Cup, Olympics, and Asia Cup will continue as per global sporting norms.
Security & Political Concerns
India and Pakistan last played a bilateral cricket series in 2012–13. Since then, encounters have only occurred in multi-nation tournaments, mainly due to security concerns and political tensions, recently heightened by the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
Visa Process for Global Sports Officials
The ministry also announced plans to simplify visa procedures for sportspersons, technical staff, and office-bearers of international sports bodies to promote India as a premier sports destination.
