NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — India will allow Pakistani athletes to compete in international sports events hosted in the country, but it will continue to block bilateral series between the two nations, according to a new government memorandum.
The decision highlights India’s effort to balance international sports commitments with ongoing political tensions with Pakistan. The move also comes as India pushes to strengthen its image as a major global sports host. The Indian sports ministry said the country will follow the rules and practices set by international sports bodies for global and multilateral competitions.
“About international and multilateral events, in India or abroad, we are guided by the practices of international sports bodies and the interest of our own sportspersons,” the ministry said in the memorandum. India and Pakistan have shared a tense relationship for decades. The two nuclear-armed neighbors engaged in a military conflict last year that sharply raised tensions across the region. That conflict increased pressure on sporting ties between the countries.
Despite opening the door for international tournaments, India made it clear that bilateral sports competitions with Pakistan will remain suspended.
“Insofar 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 said. The decision affects sports such as cricket, hockey and other major competitions that often draw huge audiences in South Asia.
India and Pakistan have not played a full bilateral cricket series since the 2012-13 season. Since then, the teams have mostly faced each other during global tournaments organized by the International Cricket Council and the Asian Cricket Council. The rivalry remains one of the biggest attractions in international cricket. Matches between India and Pakistan often generate record television ratings and large online audiences worldwide.
Political tensions have forced both countries to rely on neutral venues for major cricket events in recent years. During the Twenty20 World Cup earlier this year, India served as a co-host of the tournament. However, Pakistan played all of its matches in Sri Lanka, including its highly anticipated group-stage game against India.
Security concerns and diplomatic disputes have repeatedly disrupted direct sporting exchanges between the neighbors. Cricket boards from both countries have often struggled to finalize travel and hosting arrangements. Sports analysts believe India’s latest position aims to avoid conflict with international governing bodies while maintaining its broader diplomatic stance toward Pakistan.
The government also linked the decision to India’s growing ambitions in international sports hosting.
“It is also relevant to take into account India’s emergence as a credible venue to host international sports events,” the memorandum said.
India plans to host the Commonwealth Games and has submitted bids for the Olympic Games and the Asian Games in Ahmedabad.
The country has increased investment in stadiums, sports infrastructure, and international event management over the past decade. Officials believe hosting large events can improve tourism, create jobs, and raise India’s profile in global sports. Experts say international sports organizations expect host nations to allow participation from all eligible member countries. Refusing entry to athletes from certain nations could create complications for future bids and hosting rights.
