ISLAMABAD: India has once again drawn criticism for continuing to politicise sports towards Pakistan, with its sports ministry announcing that while Pakistani players and teams may participate in multilateral events hosted by India, bilateral competitions remain completely off the table.
In a memorandum, the ministry stated that visa processes for sportspersons and officials will be simplified, and office bearers of international sports governing bodies will be granted multi-entry visas. However, the ministry made it clear that Indian teams will not compete in Pakistan, nor will Pakistani teams be allowed to play in India for bilateral events.
The Sports Ministry on Wednesday (May 6, 2026) said the blanket ban on bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan that was imposed last year will remain in force but athletes from across the border will not be stopped from coming here for multilateral events.https://t.co/llYyZJLrX3 pic.twitter.com/MkBOZHWDyx
— The Hindu (@the_hindu) May 6, 2026
“With regard to international and multilateral events, in India or abroad, we are guided by the practices of international sports bodies and the interest of our own sportspersons,” the ministry said, adding that India’s emergence as a credible venue to host international sports events is also a relevant factor.
The announcement comes as India prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and has placed bids for the 2036 Olympics and the 2038 Asian Games in Ahmedabad.
Relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours have deteriorated sharply following a military conflict last year. The strain has reflected in sporting arenas as well. Although India co-hosted the Twenty20 World Cup earlier this year, Pakistan played all their matches, including the group game against India, in Sri Lanka, following India’s refusal to play the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
During their meeting at the ICC Asia Cup last year, the first since the May 2025 conflict, the Indian team refused to shake hands with Pakistani players at the toss and after the match.
Furthermore, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav was accused of politicising India’s win by referencing the Pahalgam attack in occupied Kashmir, calling the victory “a perfect gift” for his nation.
Bilateral cricket between the two countries has been frozen for over a decade, with no full series played since 2012-13. The two sides now meet largely at neutral venues.
