Ban on bilateral series with Pakistan continues, Sports Ministry sets these conditions for playing in multi-nation tournament

New Delhi: The Indian government has decided to continue the ban imposed on bilateral sports events with Pakistan. However, multi-nation events have been exempted from this. The Sports Ministry has issued clear instructions in this regard to all the National Sports Federations, Indian Olympic Association and Sports Authority.

Strictness remains on bilateral matches

According to the Sports Ministry, the Indian team will not go to Pakistan to play any bilateral match nor will the Pakistani team be allowed to play in India. The ministry said, “This policy will be strictly enforced in case of bilateral sports events in both the countries.”

Discounts in multinational events

In case of multinational and international events, India will follow the rules of international sports organizations. If Pakistan team is also included in any international event, then Indian players will be able to participate in it. Similarly, Pakistani players will also be able to participate in multinational events organized in India.

The announcement was made before the 2025 Asia Cup

This policy was announced ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup, which was hosted in the UAE. Even after the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025, the government maintained a moratorium on bilateral relations, but decided to follow international rules.

India has to be made the favorite sports host country

The aim of the Sports Ministry is to establish India as the preferred host country for international sports events. For this, the visa process of players, team officials, technical staff and officials of international sports organizations will be simplified.

Officials of international sports organizations will be given multi-entry visas (maximum for 5 years) on priority basis during their tenure. Prominent sports officials visiting India will be given protocol and due respect.

Preparation for big events

This policy is also important because India is going to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad. Apart from this, India is also claiming to host the 2036 Olympics and 2038 Asian Games. A clean and balanced policy will strengthen India’s image as a good and welcoming host country.