India’s Sports Ministry has come out with a new guideline with respect to international cricket matches against Pakistan just ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.
The BCCI announced its squad for the tournament on August 19. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also announced their team a few days ago.
As per the current rules and regulations by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS), India won't play any bilateral cricket with Pakistan but will face them as opponents in ACC and ICC events. Additionally, it is also stated that any team from Pakistan, be it the men’s or women’s team will not be allowed to play in India.
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No India-Pakistan Bilateral Ties Confirms Sports Ministry
The political relations between the two countries have been affected in the wake of the Pahalgam attack earlier this year. India retaliated with Operation Sindoor. Previously, the India Champions denied playing against Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends 2025.
"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” states the Sports Ministry policy.
"With regard to international and multilateral events, in India or abroad, we are guided by the practices of international sports bodies and the interests of our own sportspersons. Indian teams and individual players will take part 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 further stated.
No Threat To India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Contest
The policy further clarified their stance on the upcoming India-Pakistan contest in the Asia Cup on September 14 in Dubai. The last time India played Pakistan was in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and will next play against them in the Asia Cup. India are the co-hosts of the T20 World Cup 2026 along with Sri Lanka. The Men in Blue might play their match against Pakistan in the UAE.
“We will not stop Indian cricket team from playing in Asia Cup as it is multilateral. But Pakistan will not be allowed on Indian soil for bilateral competitions. But we will not stop them from multilateral events as we will abide by Olympic Charter” the policy concluded saying.
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