Web desk: Despite heavy criticism directed at the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI), officials have clarified that the Indian team will not be barred from playing in the Asia Cup 2025.
Since the event is a multilateral tournament, participation will go ahead as planned.
The Asia Cup, organised by the Asian Cricket Council, begins next month and will be played in the T20 International format.
The much-anticipated India–Pakistan clash is set for September 14 in Dubai, with the final scheduled for September 29. The competition also serves as preparation for next year’s T20 World Cup.
However, New Delhi has made it clear that its new sports policy regarding Pakistan takes effect immediately.
“Insofar 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,” a source said, reported Indian media.
He further added, “But Pakistan will not be allowed on Indian soil for bilateral competitions. But we will not stop them from multilateral events as we will abide by the Olympic Charter.” This means India will neither send teams across the border for bilateral fixtures nor host Pakistani teams on its grounds.
The restriction does not apply to international tournaments like the Asia Cup, where both countries compete under neutral arrangements, according to Indian media. Indian officials explained that such events are considered separate from bilateral commitments and therefore remain unaffected by the ban.
Read more: Asia Cup 2025: India announces squad; line-ups of other teams, full schedule inside
