India cleared for Asia Cup participation, but no bilateral cricket with Pakistan

The Government of India has drawn a firm distinction between bilateral and multilateral cricketing ties with Pakistan, making it clear that the national team will participate in the upcoming Asia Cup despite the growing clamour for boycott and withdrawal. But there will continue to be no bilateral engagement with Pakistan.

"India's approach to sports events involving Pakistan reflects its overall policy in dealing with that country," the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs said in a statement on Thursday (August 20).

"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. With regard to international and multilateral events, in India or abroad, we are guided by the practices of international sports bodies and the interests of our own sportspersons."

The clamour to 'boycott Pakistan and the Asia Cup' grew louder after the BCCI announced the 15-man India squad on Tuesday. The precedent had been set after the Legends tournament in England earlier this summer, when the India Champions pulled out of both their group fixture and semi-final against Pakistan Champions. Sponsors like EaseMyTrip also withdrew support, and the episode reignited the debate around whether India should completely avoid playing Pakistan.

By drawing a clear line between bilateral and multilateral engagements, the ministry has paved the way for Indian teams to compete in global tournaments that also feature Pakistan, including ICC and ACC competitions. It also ensures that Pakistani teams will be able to participate in such multilateral events when hosted in India. Even the visa processes for the players and match officials is set to be relaxed as India look to push forward their bid of hosting the Olympics.

"To position India as a preferred destination for hosting international sporting events, the visa process for sportspersons, team officials, technical personnel, and office-bearers of International Sports Governing Bodies shall be simplified," the statement further said. "In respect of office-bearers of International Sports Governing Bodies, a multi-entry visa shall be granted on priority basis for the duration of their official tenure, subject to a maximum period of five years.

"It is also relevant to take into account India's emergence as a credible venue to host international sports events. Accordingly, Indian teams and individual players will take part in international events that also have teams or players from Pakistan. Similarly, Pakistani players and teams will be able to participate in such multilateral events hosted by India."

The government's stand should clear the uncertainty over the Asia Cup and India's participation in the matches against Pakistan in the eight-nation continental championship, scheduled from September 9 to 28 in the UAE.