India permits Pakistani athletes in multilateral events, maintains bilateral ban

On March 26, India's Sports Ministry issued a statement indicating that Pakistani athletes and teams will be allowed to participate in multilateral sports events hosted by India, but bilateral events will not be permitted. The decision comes as India prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and has submitted bids to host the 2036 Olympics and the 2038 Asian Games in Ahmedabad.

According to the ministry's memorandum, visa procedures for athletes and sports officials will be simplified, with officials from international sports governing bodies granted multiple-entry visas. The ministry stressed: 'For international and multilateral events, whether at home or abroad, we follow the practices of international sports organizations and the interests of our athletes. Consideration must also be given to India's emergence as a reliable venue for hosting international sports events.'

However, the ministry also affirmed: 'For bilateral sports events held in each country, Indian teams will not compete in Pakistan, and we will not allow Pakistani teams to compete in India.'

Relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors have been tense since military clashes nearly escalated into full-scale war last year. This has led to a prolonged freeze in bilateral cricket, with the two countries not having a full series since the 2012-2013 season. Since then, cricket encounters between India and Pakistan have largely taken place at neutral venues.

A notable example came during the T20 Cricket World Cup earlier this year: although India was a co-host, Pakistan played all its matches in Sri Lanka, including a group-stage game against host India.