The Indian government has formally clarified its stance on sporting ties with Pakistan, confirming that while bilateral contests remain suspended, teams from both nations will be allowed to face each other in multi-nation tournaments.
The move clears the way for the much-anticipated India-Pakistan encounter at the Asia Cup in September and the women’s ODI World Cup in October, reported ESPN.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports issued a statement underlining that Indian teams will not travel to Pakistan, nor will Pakistani teams play bilateral fixtures in India. However, it permitted participation in global and regional tournaments where both countries feature. Pakistani athletes will also be able to compete in multilateral events hosted by India.
What remains uncertain is whether Indian teams will be allowed to participate in multi-nation competitions hosted in Pakistan, an omission the ministry did not clarify.
The Asia Cup, scheduled in the United Arab Emirates from Sept 11, places India and Pakistan in the same group. Their first clash is slated for Sept 14 in Dubai, with the possibility of up to three meetings if both sides advance.
This will mark India’s first cricket match against Pakistan since the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, which strained relations further and intensified calls for a boycott.
The ministry also announced steps to simplify visas for international sporting officials and governing bodies, to position India as a preferred global host for major events.
The clarification comes amid sharp debate. Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary accused the Indian cricket team’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, of hypocrisy, recalling Gambhir’s earlier public stance against playing Pakistan.
“What will he do now? He’s coaching the team that’s about to face Pakistan. Why doesn’t he resign?” Tiwary asked. Gambhir has maintained that, while his personal view opposes cricket ties, the final call lies with the government.
India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman make up Group A. Group B will feature Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong.
