India’s sports ministry has introduced a new policy ruling out all bilateral sporting contests with Pakistan, even at neutral venues, but confirmed that participation in multi-nation tournaments would continue. The development comes ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, where India is due to play Pakistan in Dubai on 14 September.
The ministry’s decision, reported by PTI, follows years of strained ties that have repeatedly disrupted sports between the neighbours. In the past, cricket and other fixtures were shifted to neutral grounds through a hybrid arrangement, but direct bilateral tours had already been frozen.
Officials stated that the new framework will stop Indian athletes from travelling to Pakistan for standalone events and block Pakistani teams from entering India for similar purposes. However, they added that cases involving multilateral competitions hosted in Pakistan would be reviewed individually before a decision is made.
The move comes after Pakistan’s Sports Board directed its federations to seek clearance before competing in India, citing security issues.
Earlier this year, a scheduled India-Pakistan match in another competition was cancelled when Indian players declined to participate, referring to political and security concerns.