Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on August 21 unveiled a new policy outlining India’s stance on international sporting engagements, with particular emphasis on its relations with Pakistan ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. The ministry made it clear that while India and Pakistan will not engage in any bilateral sporting contests, but Indian athletes and teams will continue to participate in multilateral events that also feature Pakistan, such as the upcoming Asia Cup next month.
India will play their Group A matches of the Asia Cup against the UAE and the high-stakes clash against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 10 and 14, respectively, while their clash against Oman is slated to happen at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on September 19.
“India’s approach to sports events involving Pakistan reflects its overall policy in dealing with that country,” the ministry stated in its official release. On the subject of bilateral ties, the policy leaves no room for ambiguity. In sofar 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.”
However, the ministry clarified that this restriction does not extend to multilateral tournaments organised by international bodies. “With regard to 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. It is also relevant to take into account India’s emergence as a credible venue to host international sports events.”
