New Delhi, May 6, 2026: India on Wednesday said that Pakistani athletes and teams will be permitted to participate in multilateral sporting events hosted in the country, but bilateral sporting engagements between the two neighbours will remain suspended.
According to a statement issued by India’s sports ministry, Pakistani players will be allowed to compete in international and multi-nation tournaments held in India or abroad, in line with the practices of global sports federations and in the interest of athletes.
The ministry added that visa procedures for sportspersons and officials will be simplified, while office-bearers of international sports governing bodies will be granted multi-entry visas to facilitate smoother participation in global sporting events.
The policy was outlined in an official memorandum which also highlighted India’s growing role as a host of major international sporting competitions, including its preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, and bids for the 2036 Olympic Games and the 2038 Asian Games in Ahmedabad.
However, the ministry maintained a firm stance on bilateral relations, stating that Indian teams will not participate in sporting events in Pakistan, nor will Pakistani teams be permitted to compete in bilateral fixtures in India.
“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 statement said.
The announcement comes amid continuing diplomatic and security strains between the two countries, which have also affected sporting ties. India and Pakistan have not played a full bilateral cricket series since 2012–13, with encounters largely restricted to neutral venues and international tournaments.
Earlier this year, during a multi-nation cricket event co-hosted by India, Pakistan played all its matches in Sri Lanka, including a high-profile group-stage match against India, reflecting ongoing restrictions on direct sporting exchanges.
The sports ministry reiterated that India’s policy is guided by national considerations as well as alignment with international sporting frameworks, while balancing its ambition to establish itself as a major global destination for sporting events.
