Credit: ICC
In 2025, the India-Pakistan ties witnessed a massive slump after the Pahalgam incident in April. The matter took another turn when India struck back Pakistan through the Operation Sindoor in May. Following these developments, there were questions whether both nations will face each other in multilateral cricket tournaments. In a recent development, there are reports that both teams are highly likely to play against each other in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 to be played in the United Arab Emirates in September.
Another development that has grabbed the limelight is that Pakistan’s hockey team are highly likely to tour India for the 2025 Men's Hockey Asia Cup to be held in Bihar’s Rajgir from August 27 to September 7. The Indian government has given a nod to host Pakistan at the event.
Noting these updates, cricket supporters are eager to know the development regarding India and Pakistan games. However, a government source reveals that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to reach out to the ministry regarding this matter, as per NDTV report. "The BCCI is yet to reach out to the ministry on this. We will address this query when they approach us."
We are not against any team competing in India in a multi-national competition: Government Source
The government source also revealed that India isn’t against any side that competes in its backyard in a multilateral tournament. If they do that it will be considered a contravention of the Olympic Charter. However, the government source confirmed that there will be no bilateral series between the arch-rivals in the near future. Any attempt to block a rival country from a multi-national tournament affects the hosts’ chances of winning future hosting rights.
"We are not against any team competing in India in a multi-national competition. If we try to stop Pakistan it would be seen as a violation of the Olympic Charter. But bilateral is different and there will be no relaxation on that front," added the source.
