Whenever there is a match between India and Pakistan in cricket, the excitement reaches its peak. However, for the last several years, bilateral series is not being played between the two countries. In view of Pakistan’s terrorist activities, the Indian government has banned bilateral series with Pakistan. Now cricket matches between India and Pakistan take place only in Asia Cup and ICC tournaments. On Wednesday, the Sports Ministry has given an update on the bilateral series with Pakistan.

The Sports Ministry on Wednesday said that the complete ban imposed last year on bilateral sports relations with Pakistan will continue, but players coming from across the border will not be stopped from coming here to participate in tournaments of many countries. The Ministry also reiterated its commitment to simplify the visa process for players, team officials, technical staff and officials of international sports governing bodies, so as to establish India as a ‘preferred sports destination’.

“As far as bilateral sports competitions in each other’s country are concerned, Indian teams will not participate in the competitions being held in Pakistan. Nor will we allow Pakistani teams to play in India,” the ministry said in a circular issued to all National Sports Federations (NSFs), Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Sports Authority of India (SAI), including other bodies.

It further said, “With respect to international and multi-national competitions, whether in India or abroad, we are guided by the functioning of international sports governing bodies and the interests of our own players.”

According to this, “In view of this, Indian teams and individual players will participate in those international competitions in which Pakistani teams or players also participate. Similarly, Pakistani players and teams will be able to participate in such multilateral competitions organized by India.

This policy was first announced in August last year. This announcement came when there was a lot of uproar regarding India’s participation in the Asia Cup of Cricket held in UAE. Pakistan was also playing in this tournament and it was organized just a few months after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, in which 26 people lost their lives.

The policy makes it clear that India, which aspires to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and 2036 Olympic Games, will adhere to the Olympic Charter and its spirit of inclusivity, thereby presenting itself as a friendly host of global events.

The ministry said, “To establish India as a preferred destination for hosting international sports competitions, the visa process will be simplified for players, team officials, technical staff and officials of international sports governing bodies.”

“In the case of officials of international sports governing bodies, multiple entry visas will be granted on priority basis for the period of their official tenure, subject to a maximum of five years,” the ministry said.