NEW DELHI, Aug. 22 — India will participate in next month’s Asia Cup in the UAE but will continue to shun bilateral cricketing ties with Pakistan, the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs said, drawing a firm distinction between multilateral and bilateral engagements.
“India’s approach to sports events involving Pakistan reflects its overall policy in dealing with that country,” the ministry said in a statement.
“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 clarification comes amid rising calls to boycott Pakistan after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) named a 15-member squad for the Asia Cup earlier this week. Similar protests had surfaced earlier this summer when the India Champions side withdrew from fixtures against Pakistan Champions in a Legends tournament in England, pressuring sponsors such as EaseMyTrip to pull out.
By formally separating bilateral from multilateral competitions, the government has ensured that Indian teams will remain part of international tournaments that feature Pakistan, including ICC and Asian Cricket Council events. The policy also allows Pakistani teams to take part in such competitions when India is the host.
The ministry said that the stance is also tied to India’s broader ambition of becoming a major venue for global sports.
“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 statement noted.
It further added that multi-entry visas will be granted on a priority basis to international federation officials for the duration of their tenure, up to five years.
The decision effectively clears the uncertainty over India’s participation in the Asia Cup, scheduled for Sept. 9–28 in the UAE, including its group-stage clash against Pakistan. The ministry said India’s emergence as a credible host makes participation in multilateral events necessary, even when Pakistan is involved.
