India Bans Bilateral Sports with Pakistan but Clears Asia Cup Clash

India has announced that players will no longer engage in bilateral competitions with Pakistan, marking a significant policy shift in sporting ties between the two countries.

The rule, which also covers neutral venues, comes into effect immediately, but the Men in Blue will still play Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 as it is a multilateral event.

As per PTI, a senior ministry official explained players would not be sent to Pakistan for stand-alone events, nor would Pakistani be invited for bilateral contests in India.

However, participation in wider international events involving multiple nations would continue. If such events are held in Pakistan, decisions will be taken case by case.

The announcement follows a directive from Pakistan last month, requiring local federations to consult before attending events in India, citing security concerns.

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India and Pakistan have a long history of disrupted sporting ties, often derailed by political and security tensions.

Bilateral cricket tours between the two nations have been suspended for years, with occasional contests played only during ICC or continental tournaments.

Earlier in July, one fixture between the two sides was abandoned when Indian players declined to participate, referring to geopolitical strains.

Despite the freeze on direct sporting ties, the high-profile clash in Dubai on 14 September is set to proceed, once again putting the sporting rivalry in the global spotlight.