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The Indian government has officially set the Pakistan sports policy, clarifying their stance on how things will be dealt with the athletes of the neighbouring country.
The Indian government has decided to allow the Pakistan players to participate in the multilateral events that will be hosted by India, but the ban on bilateral ties remains intact. This decision came in a wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor in 2025.
Key Points
- The Indian government has officially clarified its sports policy regarding Pakistan teams and athletes.
- Pakistan players and teams will be allowed to participate in multilateral events hosted in India.
- Bilateral sports ties between India and Pakistan will still remain suspended.
- The move could impact future ICC tournaments and other multinational sporting events hosted in India
Indian government opens doors for Pakistan teams in global events; bilateral ties remain banned
An Office Memorandum has been issued by the Sports Ministry that states that there will be an easier and faster visa process for Pakistani athletes and officials, and they can compete on Indian soil in international events.
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However, the government has made it clear that the bilateral ties between India and Pakistan will still not happen, but they will face each other in the global event. It is confirmed that India will neither travel to Pakistan nor allow its players to participate in bilateral events.
The Indian Express quoted as Office Memorandum states: "Pakistani players and teams will be able to participate in multilateral events hosted by India. In 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. We are guided by the practices of international sports bodies and the interest of our own sportspersons.”
At the same time, India will still play in international tournaments even if Pakistan is also playing. 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 balances politics and sports with clear strategy
Meanwhile, the government has also stressed that India is handling sports with Pakistan in 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 big international tournaments, it will follow global rules and allow them to play. The government maintained that India is trying to balance 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 sports bodies and the interest of our own sportspersons. It is also relevant to take into account India’s emergence as a credible venue to host international sports events.”
India to offer priority multi-entry visas for Pakistanis
The government also said that international federation officials will be granted a ‘multi-entry visa… on a priority basis for the duration of their official tenure, subject to a maximum period of five years,’ to ensure ‘smooth movement in accordance with international norms,' including for the Pakistani players.
The memo added, “This (simplified visa process) shall facilitate their smooth movement into and within the country, in accordance with international norms.”
