Final verdict on India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 dropped by the Sports Ministry

The Sports Ministry introduced a new policy regarding India’s international engagements, with a particular emphasis on Pakistan.

On Thursday, the Sports Ministry sealed Team India’s participation in the upcoming Asia Cup clash against Pakistan to be held in the UAE from September 9. The two rivals are scheduled to meet on September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in a Group A fixture.

The Sports Ministry drops its final verdict on IND vs PAK in the Asia Cup 2025.

Unveiling a new policy on India’s international sporting engagements with particular emphasis on Pakistan, the Ministry clarified that while bilateral contests remain off the table, multilateral tournaments will not be restricted. This means the India team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will feature in the Asia Cup as planned. Sources told PTI that the directive takes effect immediately. The Ministry policy states, “India’s approach to sports events involving Pakistan reflects its overall policy in dealing with that country.” It added, “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. We will not stop the Indian cricket team from playing in the Asia Cup as it is multilateral.”

“Pakistan will not be allowed on Indian soil.”

The Ministry source 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 Olympic Charter.” There have been massive debates happening around the IND vs PAK match scheduled in the Asia Cup 2025 since it was confirmed last month, especially after the Pahalgam terror attack in April further strained ties between the two nations.

Controversy surrounding the IND vs PAK match in the Asia Cup intensified when the Yuvraj Singh-led India Champions team withdrew from two games against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends, including the semifinal.