In a significant move reflecting the deepening diplomatic strain between India and Pakistan, the Pakistan government on Saturday directed all national sports federations to refrain from committing to any event hosted by India without prior clearance.
The decision comes on the same day the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed its participation in the 2025 Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 9 to 28 September.
Federations Must Seek Approval First
The directive, issued by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) following its 34th meeting on 23 July, mandates that all sports bodies seek explicit permission before entering competitions on Indian soil.
Keeping in view the prevailing security concerns, the PSB Board… has decided that no National Sports Federation (NSF) shall commit to participate in any sporting event in India without prior consultation with the Pakistan Sports Board.
Backdrop of Rising Tensions
This government stance follows a recent escalation in hostilities, including cross-border missile exchanges, after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir on 22 April, which claimed 26 lives. India squarely blamed the incident on Pakistan-backed militants—allegations strongly denied by Islamabad.
As a result of the security situation, Pakistan earlier this month declined to send its field hockey team to the upcoming Men’s Asia Cup Hockey Tournament scheduled in Rajgir, India, from 27 August to 7 September.
No Bilateral Ties, But Multinational Matches Continue
Since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, India has suspended all bilateral sporting relations with Pakistan. No full cricket series has taken place between the two since 2012. While bilateral tours remain off the table, both nations continue to face off in multi-nation tournaments like the World Cup and Asia Cup.
Earlier this year, both countries had reportedly agreed not to tour each other while hosting events, leading to the increasing use of neutral venues for sports such as baseball, volleyball, tennis and hockey.
Asia Cup Cricket Stays on Course in UAE
Despite the strained ties, the Asia Cup cricket tournament is set to go ahead—albeit on neutral ground. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Saturday that the 2025 Asia Cup will be staged in the UAE from 9 to 28 September.
I am delighted to confirm the dates of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE. The prestigious event will take place from September 9-28. We look forward to a spectacular display of cricket. Detailed schedule will be out soon.
The final match schedule is expected to be announced by the BCCI on Monday.
The Road Ahead
With both nations firm on their political stances, sporting engagements between India and Pakistan appear destined to remain restricted to neutral venues for the foreseeable future. While fans eagerly await blockbuster matchups like an India-Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup, the shadow of geopolitics continues to loom large over South Asian sport.
