India and Pakistan won’t engage in any bilateral sporting clash but the cricket team will not be stopped from playing the multi-lateral Asia Cup next month, the Sports Ministry said on Thursday. The ministry unveiled the new policy with regard to India’s international engagements with emphasis on Pakistan. Sources said it is effective immediately. “India’s approach to sports events involving Pakistan reflects its overall policy in dealing with that country,” states the ministry policy.
“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,” it added.
However, the multilateral engagements will not be affected. “We will not stop Indian cricket team from playing in Asia Cup as it is multilateral,” the ministry source said.
This development comes amid the ongoing outrage over the Indian cricket team facing Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup, which will take place on September 14 in Dubai. The outrage over India facing their arch-rival in the tournament stems from the anger against the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, in which 26 tourists were killed on April 22 by terrorists.
India responded with Operation Sindoor on May 7 to avenge the attack and dismantle the terror infrastructure across the Line of Control and deeper inside Pakistan. In the aftermath of India’s response, the strained relationship between the two neighbouring nations further slumped.
“Pakistan will not be allowed on Indian soil for bilateral competitions. But we will not stop them from multilateral events as we will abide by Olympic Charter,” the source added.
Asked if Indian teams will be allowed to travel to Pakistan for any multi-lateral competitions, the source said, “In that scenario, we will examine the case before deciding anything. Even in multi-lateral events, we can’t leave our athletes in lurch. After all it’s a country that has no hesitation in declaring that its a dumpster and can hit the shining Mercedes that is India,” he added.
