India has announced it will not lift its ban on bilateral sporting events with Pakistan, but will permit Pakistani athletes to compete in international tournaments hosted by India. The clarification was issued in a memo by the sports ministry on Tuesday.
New Visa Regime for Pakistani Athletes
The ministry stated that Pakistani athletes, officials, and representatives of international sports federations would be afforded a more supportive visa regime. The simplified visa process, it said, 'shall facilitate their smooth movement into and within the country, in accordance with international norms.'
Hardline Position on Direct Engagement
The memo reiterated a hardline stance on direct sporting engagement. '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,' it declared. Regarding international and multilateral events, the ministry said it is guided by the practices of international sports bodies and the interests of Indian sportspersons.
Impact on Sporting Ties
Sporting ties between India and Pakistan have long mirrored their fraught political relationship, with animosity intensifying after a four-day conflict in May 2025 that left hundreds dead. The conflict, involving artillery exchanges, drone attacks, and air strikes, was one of the most serious military confrontations between the nuclear-armed neighbours in recent years. Subsequent tensions caused public outrage when the Indian cricket team played Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup and later the T20 World Cup.
The Indian government faced criticism for granting visas to Pakistan’s hockey team for the Asia Cup last August. Pakistan did not clear its women footballers to play in the SAFF tournament hosted by India. Amid the tensions, last-minute visa delays and political signalling have affected athletes from both countries, putting pressure on bodies like the International Cricket Council to adjust venues, logistics, and security protocols.
Future Sporting Aspirations
The memo aims to avoid ambiguity as India aspires to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympic Games, among other events.
