New Delhi: India will not engage in any bilateral sporting events with Pakistan, but the cricket team will be allowed to participate in the upcoming Asia Cup, the Sports Ministry announced on Thursday.
Unveiling its new policy on international sporting engagements, with a specific focus on Pakistan, the ministry said the decision takes effect immediately.
“India’s stance on sports events with Pakistan mirrors its broader approach to relations with that country,” the policy statement said.
“For bilateral events, Indian teams will not travel to Pakistan, nor will Pakistani teams be permitted to compete in India,” it added.
However, multilateral tournaments will remain unaffected.
“We will not prevent the Indian cricket team from playing in the Asia Cup since it is a multilateral competition,” a ministry source explained.
“Pakistan will not be allowed to play bilateral matches on Indian soil, but participation in multilateral events will continue in line with the Olympic Charter,” the source clarified.
