Only Multilateral Events Allowed

The government clarified that Indian athletes and teams will continue to face Pakistan in multilateral tournaments—such as ICC events, Asian Games, or Olympic qualifiers—as per global rules and regulations. This means competitions like the Cricket World Cup, the Asia Cup (hosted by a neutral venue if necessary), or events under the International Olympic Committee will still see India and Pakistan compete.

However, the door has been firmly shut on bilateral tours and one-on-one engagements, which have already been scarce in recent decades. The decision extends across sports—cricket, hockey, kabaddi, wrestling, and others.

Citing India’s Global Rise as a Sporting Host

A senior government official highlighted that India’s growing stature as a global sporting destination was a major factor behind the decision. India has successfully hosted marquee tournaments like the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, the 2023 Hockey World Cup (Bhubaneswar & Rourkela), and multiple high-profile international events across badminton, wrestling, and athletics.

“India no longer needs bilateral engagements with Pakistan to prove its sporting strength or attract global audiences. Our focus is on hosting world-class events that bring together multiple nations under one platform, showcasing India’s credibility and infrastructure on the world stage,” the official said.

Historical Context

Sports between India and Pakistan have always mirrored the political climate between the two nations. Bilateral cricket series, once celebrated as high-voltage contests, have not taken place since 2012-13, when Pakistan toured India for a short limited-overs series. In hockey and other sports too, meetings have largely been confined to Asian or world tournaments.

Tensions at the border, cross-border terrorism, and diplomatic strains have led to India adopting a hard stance against normalizing sports ties. This new official ban cements the policy and provides clarity for future engagements.

Reaction from Sporting Fraternity

While political observers see the move as a reflection of India’s firm diplomatic posture, reactions within the sporting community have been mixed. Some former athletes believe sporting ties should not be mixed with politics, while others feel the ban is in line with the nation’s security and diplomatic priorities.

Cricket, in particular, is bound to feel the impact, as fans across both countries often looked forward to bilateral series that were once considered the pinnacle of rivalry in world cricket. However, with India’s sporting calendar now dominated by global events, the government’s message is clear—India will prioritize international harmony and its role as a global sporting hub over bilateral contests with Pakistan.

The Road Ahead

With this decision, India has set a long-term stance that could influence not just cricket but multiple other sports. Athletes from both countries will only meet on neutral ground in multilateral competitions, where the rivalry will remain intense but free from bilateral political baggage.

This move underscores the Modi government’s approach: strong diplomatic positioning, sporting self-reliance, and a vision to place India firmly on the global map as a trusted and leading host of international sporting events.

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🚨 BIG BREAKING NEWS 🚨 Modi Govt Announces TOTAL BAN on Bilateral Sports with Pakistan

Aug 22, 2025 6:13 AM

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