The India vs Pakistan match in the upcoming Asia Cup will go ahead as planned, following a formal statement from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The ministry outlined a clear distinction between bilateral and multilateral sporting engagements with Pakistan, allowing India to participate in tournaments where Pakistan is one of several competing nations.
This clarification comes amid growing political tensions between the two neighbours and public debate over whether India should face Pakistan in international sports events.
Bilateral Freeze Still in Place
The Indian government has maintained its policy of not engaging in bilateral cricket series with Pakistan, a stance in place since 2012-13 due to ongoing diplomatic and security concerns. As per the policy, Indian teams will not tour Pakistan, and vice versa, for exclusive bilateral competitions.
India Will Play in Multilateral Events
While bilateral ties remain frozen, the government confirmed that India will continue to participate in multilateral tournaments such as the Asia Cup, ICC World Cups, and Champions Trophy. These events, organised by international sporting bodies, involve multiple nations and are viewed as separate from bilateral political issues.
This decision ensures that Indian athletes are not restricted from participating in global competitions, regardless of Pakistan’s involvement.
Neutral Venues Confirmed for India-Pakistan Matches
The policy also supports the continued use of neutral venues for any India-Pakistan matches in tournaments hosted outside India. This approach was previously used during the 2023 Asia Cup, where India’s matches were played in Sri Lanka despite Pakistan being the official host.
A similar “hybrid model” is expected to be followed for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be held in Pakistan.
Boosting India’s Global Sports Hosting Ambitions
The policy update is part of a broader push by India to position itself as a preferred host for major international sporting events. As part of this effort, the Ministry announced a streamlined visa process for foreign athletes, officials, and representatives of international sports bodies.
This move aims to enhance India’s reputation as a reliable and welcoming destination for global sports tournaments.
High-Stakes Match Set for September 14
The India vs Pakistan group-stage match is set for September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the UAE. Both teams are in Group A, and depending on the tournament’s progression, they could face each other up to three times, including in the Super 4 stage and possibly the final.
This match is expected to draw massive global viewership, given the intense history and rivalry between the two sides.
Clarification Follows Tensions and Boycott Calls
The government’s statement comes amid heightened tensions, especially after a recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The incident led to public calls, including from former cricketers, for India to withdraw from matches against Pakistan. The official stance now confirms that sporting decisions in multilateral formats will go forward as scheduled. The bilateral cricket ties remain off the table, but India will continue facing Pakistan in multilateral events, ensuring that fans will witness the iconic clash in the Asia Cup next month.
