The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has made it clear that the two teams would still play each other in the 2025 Asia Cup, even though bilateral cricket series between Pakistan and India are still on hold.
The statement confirmed New Delhi’s position that cricket ties outside of multilateral events will not resume any time soon.
Asia Cup: Pakistan and India to proceed after the Indian government clarifies.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports says bilateral matches are off but multi-nation tournaments can continue.
India will not host or visit Pakistan for bilateral contests. However, their players and teams can participate in multi-nation competitions with Pakistan, preparing for the next Asia Cup in September and the ODI World Cup in October.
Multilateral competitions hosted by India can include Pakistani athletes.
These recommendations were released by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to clarify the Indian government’s attitude on sporting cooperation with Pakistan during tense political relations.
The statement did not address whether Indian athletes can compete in Pakistani multilateral competitions.
The freeze between the two countries is still in effect.
India and Pakistan haven’t played a bilateral cricket series since 2012–13, when Pakistan came to India for a short series of limited-overs games.
Political problems between the two countries have often hindered attempts to revive cricketing ties. Officials made it clear that the present policy of “no bilateral engagement” will not alter.
The Asia Cup is a neutral place.
Even though their diplomatic connections are frozen, the two cricketing powers are likely to clash on the pitch during the Asia Cup, which is run by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
The government stated that participating in these types of multilateral games does not violate the rules for bilateral tournaments.
Expected High-Stakes Meeting.
When Pakistan and India play each other in international or regional tournaments, the match becomes a high-voltage event that millions of people across the world watch.
Fans of cricket are already marking their calendars for the Asia Cup match, which is likely to be one of the most-watched games of the tournament.
In a larger context.
The announcement shows that political relations still divided, but it also shows how cricket can bring the two countries together on neutral ground.
The Asia Cup clash is one of the most anticipated events in the sport, and it gives athletes a chance to show off their skills and compete fiercely.