- July 26, 2025
‘Don’t Confirm Participation In Indian Events’: Pakistan Sports Board To Federations | Exclusive Details
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All national sports federations have to seek clearance from the PSB before making any commitment, promise, or announcement about participation in competitions hosted on Indian soil
While bilateral series remain suspended since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, events like the Asia Cup cricket tournament are now being moved to neutral venues, with the 2025 edition set for the UAE in September, as confirmed by the Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi. File pic/AFP
In a significant move reflecting the strained political climate between the two nations, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has issued a stern directive to all its national sports federations: do not confirm participation in any event in India without explicit prior consultation and approval from the board. This decision, formalised during the 34th meeting of the PSB on July 23, comes amid what the board terms “prevailing security concerns” and “regional sensitivities”.
The directive, issued via a circular, makes it mandatory for all national sports federations to seek clearance from the PSB before making any commitment, promise, or announcement regarding participation in competitions hosted on Indian soil.
“In view of the current security situation, no national federation shall make any commitment or agreement regarding participation in sports events in India without prior permission from PSB,” the circular states, emphasising strict adherence to this new policy. This move, reportedly made on “special instructions of the Prime Minister’s Office”, signals a tightening of oversight on sports engagements with India.
The decision arrives in the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, notably following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed 26 civilian lives. India has held Pakistan-backed terrorists responsible for the incident, while Islamabad has vehemently denied the accusations. This led to a series of diplomatic measures and a brief military conflict in May, although a ceasefire was later announced after Pakistan reached out for talks.
The immediate impact of this directive is evident in several upcoming sporting events. Pakistan’s national men’s hockey team had already withdrawn from the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in Rajgir, India, from August 27 to September 7, citing “serious security threats”. There are also reports that Pakistan will not participate in the Junior World Cup in India in November.
Furthermore, the issue of Indian and Pakistani teams playing against each other in multi-nation tournaments continues to be a point of contention. While bilateral series remain suspended since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, events like the Asia Cup cricket tournament are now being moved to neutral venues, with the 2025 edition set for the UAE in September, as confirmed by the Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi.
Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18
Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18
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