In a big turn of event, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has announced that the Team India won't be stopped from playing Asia Cup 2025 which is slated to get underway from September 9. However, the ministry also stated that India and Pakistan will not play any direct sporting matches against each other. It means, India versus Pakistan's Asia Cup is officially on, but the neighbouring nations won't be playing any bilaterals with each other. Notably, India versus Pakistan's Asia Cup contest is scheduled to be played on September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in a Group A fixture.
With this The Indian government has clarified its new policy regarding international sports, making a clear distinction for engagements involving Pakistan. Officials have stated that while bilateral competitions between the two nations remain off, Indian teams are permitted to compete in multilateral tournaments.
Sports Ministry's final verdict on India's participation in Asia Cup 2025
The ministry has introduced a new policy regarding India's international sports relationships, with a particular focus on Pakistan. Officials confirmed that this policy is effective immediately.
Here's what the Sports Ministry's statement on India's Policy Towards International Sporting Events read:
"India’s approach to sports events involving Pakistan reflects its overall policy in dealing with that country. In so far as bilateral sports events in each other’s country are concerned, Indian teams will not be participating in competitions in Pakistan. Nor will we permit Pakistani teams to play in India."
"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. It is also relevant to take into account India's emergence as a credible venue to host international sports events."
"Accordingly, Indian teams and individual players will take part in international events that also have teams or players from Pakistan. Similarly, Pakistani players and teams will be able to participate in such multilateral events hosted by India."
"To position India as a preferred destination for hosting international sporting events, the visa process for sportspersons, team officials, technical personnel, and office-bearers of International Sports Governing Bodies shall be simplified. In respect of office-bearers of International Sports Governing Bodies, a multi-entry visa shall be granted on priority basis for the duration of their official tenure, subject to a maximum period of five years. This shall facilitate their smooth movement into and within the country, in accordance with international norms. Due protocol and courtesies, as per established practice, shall be extended to the Heads of International Sports Governing Bodies during their visits to India."
This official confirmation puts an end to a period of considerable uncertainty that began after the tournament's schedule was released last month. Tensions were further heightened by a terror attack in Pahalgam in April, which strained diplomatic relations and fueled debate over India's participation. The situation had become so precarious that there was widespread speculation the entire Asia Cup could be cancelled if India withdrew. The matter was finally settled in late July when the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) issued a formal announcement, ending the suspense.
Just couple of days back Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India's Asia Cup squad which will be led by Suryakumar Yadav.
India’s squad for Asia Cup:
Surya Kumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh
Standby players: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel