No bilaterals with Pak, says government; green light for Asia Cup

India and Pakistan will not participate in any bilateral sporting events, but the Indian cricket team will be allowed to compete in the upcoming multi-nation Asia Cup, a source in the Sports Ministry confirmed on Thursday.

The Asia Cup will feature high-profile India-Pakistan matches scheduled for 14 and possibly 21 September in Dubai, with the final on 29 September. The tournament will follow the T20 International format ahead of next year's T20 World Cup.

The Indian government upholds a consistent policy of not engaging in bilateral sporting events with Pakistan. As a result, Indian teams do not travel to Pakistan, nor do they host Pakistani teams for any bilateral series. This policy is rooted in broader diplomatic and security considerations.

However, this restriction does not extend to multilateral tournaments, such as the Asia Cup or ICC events, where both countries participate under the jurisdiction of international governing bodies. These tournaments are held in neutral or third-party venues, ensuring no direct bilateral arrangements and maintaining a politically neutral environment for competition.

India's new policy towards international sporting events further elaborates on this approach: "India's approach to sports events involving Pakistan reflects its overall policy in dealing with that country. Regarding bilateral sports events held in each other's countries, Indian teams will not participate in competitions in Pakistan, nor will Pakistani teams be permitted to play in India. However, with regard to international and multilateral events, whether held in India or abroad, India is guided by the practices of international sports bodies and the interests of its own sportspersons. It is also relevant to consider India's emergence as a credible venue for hosting international sports events."

"Accordingly, Indian teams and individual players will take part in international events that include teams or players from Pakistan. Similarly, Pakistani players and teams will be allowed to participate in such multilateral events hosted by India. To position India as a preferred destination for hosting international sporting events, the visa process for sportspersons, team officials, technical personnel, and office-bearers of International Sports Governing Bodies shall be simplified. Specifically, office-bearers of these bodies will be granted multi-entry visas on a priority basis for the duration of their official tenure, subject to a maximum period of five years. This will facilitate their smooth movement into and within the country, in accordance with international norms. Due protocol and courtesies, as per established practice, shall be extended to the Heads of International Sports Governing Bodies."

The policy also highlights India's emergence as a credible venue for international sports and commits to simplifying visa procedures for sportspersons, team officials, technical personnel, and office-bearers of international sports governing bodies.

Multi-entry visas will be granted on a priority basis to office-bearers for the duration of their official tenure, subject to a maximum of five years, facilitating smooth movement within India according to international norms. Due protocol and courtesies will continue to be extended to the heads of international sports organisations.