India Continues Ban on Bilateral Sports with Pakistan, Allows Matches in Global Events

India’s Sports Ministry has decided to continue its ban on playing one-on-one (bilateral) sports matches with Pakistan. However, matches between the two countries can still happen in big international tournaments where many nations take part.

The ministry also said it will make the visa process easier for athletes, team staff, and officials from global sports organizations, as India aims to become a top destination for hosting sports events.

"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," the ministry stated.

India keeps bilateral sports ban with Pakistan, allows clashes in global events

Meanwhile, the Ministry added that it will abide by the international bodies' policies for multi-national events. 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.

"Accordingly, 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," it added.

This rule was first announced before the 2025 Asia Cup, which was held in the UAE even though India were the official hosts. After the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, the ministry confirmed that bilateral matches between India and Pakistan will not happen, but India will still follow the rules of international tournaments and take part in them. India is set to host the Commonwealth Games 2030 in Ahmedabad and is also bidding to host the Olympic Games 2036 and the Asian Games 2038. The policies present India as an amiable host of global events. 

"To position India as a preferred destination for hosting international sporting events, the visa process for sportspersons, team officials, technical personnel, and office-bearers of International Sports Governing Bodies shall be simplified," the ministry said.

"In respect of office-bearers of International Sports Governing Bodies, a multi-entry visa shall be granted on a priority basis for the duration of their official tenure, subject to a maximum period of five years. Due protocol and courtesies, as per established practice, shall be extended to the Heads of International Sports Governing Bodies during their visits to India."

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