The Indian government confirms that the national team will participate in the upcoming Asia Cup despite growing calls for boycott and withdrawal, while it has reiterated a strong distinction between bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan.
“India’s approach to sports events involving Pakistan reflects its overall policy in dealing with the country,” the Sports and Youth Affairs Ministry said in a statement on Thursday (August 20).
“As far as bilateral sports events in each other’s countries are concerned, Indian teams will not participate in competitions in Pakistan nor will we allow Pakistani teams to play in India. About international and multilateral competitions, whether in India or abroad, we are guided by the conduct of international sports bodies and the interests of our respective athletes.” The ministry said.
The call for a ‘boycott Pakistan and Asia Cup’ gained momentum after the BCCI announced a 15-member Indian squad on Tuesday. The precedent was set after the Legends tournament in England earlier this summer, when the Indian champions crashed out of both their group fixtures and the semi-final against the Pakistan champions. Sponsors like EaseMyTrip also withdrew their support, and the episode reignited the debate over whether India should avoid playing Pakistan altogether.
By drawing a clear line between bilateral and multilateral engagements, the ministry has paved the way for Indian teams to participate in global tournaments that include Pakistan, including ICC and ACC competitions. It also ensures that Pakistani teams will be able to participate in such multilateral events if hosted in India. Even the visa process for athletes and match officials will be relaxed as India looks to push ahead with its bid to host the Olympics.
The government’s point of view should remove the uncertainty over India’s participation in matches against Pakistan in the Asia Cup and the eight-nation Continental Championship scheduled in the United Arab Emirates from September 09 to 28.
Read also: PCB announces Pakistan squads for Tri-Nation T20 Series, Asia Cup
