India OKs Asia Cup, firm on no bilateral ties with Pak

The Indian government has cleared its cricket team to play in next month’s event, but ruled out any revival of bilateral ties with Pakistan, reaffirming a long-standing political position that separates multilateral tournaments from one-on-one engagements.

The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs of India, in a statement on Thursday, said Indian athletes will continue to compete in international competitions that include Pakistan, but teams from either side will not travel to the other’s soil for bilateral events.

“India’s approach to sports events involving Pakistan reflects its overall policy,” the ministry said. “With regard to multilateral events, in India or abroad, we are guided by the practices of international sports bodies and the interests of our own sportspersons.”

The clarification comes after calls for India to boycott the Asia Cup, which will run from September 9 to 28 in the UAE. Those voices grew louder earlier this week when the BCCI named its 15-man squad, reviving memories of the Legends tournament in England this summer, when India’s veterans pulled out of fixtures against Pakistan.

By drawing a sharp distinction, New Delhi has not only ensured India’s presence in the Asia Cup — including the high-voltage clash with Pakistan — but also smoothed the path for future ICC and ACC events. The policy will allow Pakistan to continue taking part in global competitions hosted in India.

The ministry also linked the decision to India’s ambitions as a sporting host, promising easier visa access for athletes, officials and international administrators. Multi-entry visas will be granted for office-bearers of governing bodies, in some cases for up to five years.

“India has emerged as a credible venue for international events,” the statement said, noting the importance of making participation “smooth and transparent” for visiting teams, reports UNB.