New Delhi, August 21 (HS):

The Modi government has drawn a firm red line in sports diplomacy, declaring that India and Pakistan will no longer engage in any form of bilateral sporting contests. Whether cricket or any other discipline, Indian teams will not travel to Pakistan, nor will Pakistani teams be allowed to set foot in India for bilateral events.

Announcing the new policy, the Ministry of Sports underlined that the decision is in line with India’s broader Pakistan policy and reinforces India’s image as a credible and responsible sporting host.

“No bilateral sporting events will take place between India and Pakistan. Indian athletes will not compete in Pakistan, and Pakistani teams will not be hosted in India,” the ministry said in an official statement.

Multilateral Events Exempted

The government clarified that the ban applies strictly to bilateral series. Multilateral platforms like the Asia Cup or ICC tournaments remain unaffected. Upholding Olympic norms and international sporting regulations, India confirmed that its athletes will participate in such global competitions where Pakistani players may also feature.

A senior official emphasized:

“The Indian cricket team will compete in the Asia Cup as it is a multilateral event, but Pakistan cannot expect any bilateral sporting engagement on Indian soil.”

This decisive move cements New Delhi’s policy of severing direct India-Pakistan sporting exchanges, while still adhering to international obligations at global events.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar