India’s ban on bilateral sports relations with Pakistan will continue, the sports ministry confirmed on Wednesday, while making it clear that Pakistani athletes will continue to be able to compete in international events hosted in India. The clarification came through an official circular issued to national sports federations, the Indian Olympic Association and the Sports Authority of India.
The ministry also reiterated that India will continue to abide by the Olympic Charter and international sports guidelines as the country pushes to host major global events such as the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympic Games. The ministry said in a circular that bilateral sports relations with Pakistan remain out tables, but multilateral tournaments will continue according to international standards.
“As far as bilateral sports events in each other’s country are concerned, Indian teams will not participate in competitions in Pakistan. Nor will we allow Pakistani teams to play in India,” the ministry said.
“When it comes to international and multilateral events in India or abroad, we follow the procedures of international sports organizations and the interest of our own athletes.
“Accordingly, Indian teams and individual players will participate in international events that also have teams or players from Pakistan. Similarly, Pakistani players and teams will be able to participate in such multilateral events hosted by India.”
The policy was first announced in August last year following criticism of India’s participation in the Asia Cricket Cup in the UAE, which also featured Pakistan, following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
At this stage, the ministry also clarified that it will not interfere in multilateral sporting events unless Pakistan itself is the host country.
NO BILATERAL SPORTS WITH PAKISTAN?
The latest circular effectively keeps India’s existing sports policy towards Pakistan unchanged.
This means there will be no bilateral cricket, hockey or other sports series between the two countries in India or Pakistan for the foreseeable future.
The ministry’s communication has been sent to all major sports bodies, including the IOA, SAI and national federations, to formally reiterate the government’s position.
The decision also comes at a time when India is actively looking to strengthen its position as host of major international events across various sports. India Maintains Sports Ban With Pakistan (Screenshot from X)
CAN PAKISTANI ATHLETES TRAVEL TO INDIA?
While bilateral relations remain frozen, India has made it clear that it will continue to honor international sporting commitments for global and continental tournaments.
This means that Indian athletes will compete in international events with Pakistan Pakistani athletes will also be allowed to travel to Indiaand for the competitions held here, more countries.
The ministry also emphasized that visa procedures for athletes, technical staff and international sports officials will be simplified to make India a more attractive destination for global sporting events.
“To make India a preferred destination for hosting international sports events, the visa process for athletes, team officials, technical staff and officials of international sports governing bodies will be simplified,” the ministry said.
“In the case of office holders in international sports governing bodies, a multiple-entry visa will be granted preferentially for the duration of their official term of office, with a maximum of five years.
The ministry also added that international sports administrators visiting India will continue to receive protocol support and official attention during their stay.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
06 May 2026 15:33 IST
