IND vs PAK: Indian Sports Ministry makes big announcement on cricket ties with Pakistan

New Delhi: For several days, speculation has been rife on whether India would play against Pakistan in the upcoming T20 Asia Cup beginning on September 9 in the UAE. On Thursday, however, the Government of India’s Sports Ministry (Sports Ministry) clarified that India will not engage in bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan, but at the same time, the central government will not stop the Indian team from playing in multinational tournaments (like the Asia Cup) where Pakistan is also a participant.

India has not played a bilateral series with Pakistan for the past 17 years. Until 2008, sporting ties were active, but after the terrorist attacks in Mumbai (26/11) carried out by Pakistan in November 2008, India stopped all bilateral cricketing engagements and has never sent Indian cricketers to Pakistan since then. From 2009 onwards, Pakistani players have also not been allowed to participate in the IPL.

The Sports Ministry formally announced this new international sports policy on Thursday, with specific emphasis on India–Pakistan ties. According to sources, the policy has been put into immediate effect.

The Ministry clarified: “When it comes to bilateral matches or series, Indian teams will not play in Pakistan, nor will Pakistani teams be allowed to play bilateral matches or series in India. However, this strict policy will not apply to multinational tournaments involving countries other than India and Pakistan. In events like the Asia Cup, the Indian team will not be barred from participating. It should also be noted that Pakistan will not be allowed to play on Indian soil in any bilateral series. But in compliance with Olympic norms, Pakistan will not be stopped from taking part in multinational events hosted in India.”