The Sports Ministry has confirmed that the upcoming cricket matches between India and Pakistan will go ahead as planned. Last month, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya confirmed that the two nations won’t play any bilateral sports, but the Indian government isn’t against competing in multinational events.
Despite taking a strong stance against terrorism in Pakistan, the decision to allow cricket matches to happen didn’t sit well with many. The news of a legends cricket match between India and Pakistan was enough to anger the public. India had to forfeit that match and the semifinal.
It was clear that the public wasn’t happy with the decision. In the last few days, several politicians have also spoken against holding an India vs Pakistan match, as the schedule and teams for both the Asia Cup 2025 and the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 have been announced.
India vs Pakistan cricket match to go ahead
Cricketer-turned-politician Kedar Jadhav recently spoke against Team India playing with Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. However, the Sports Ministry has maintained its stance.
“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,” the Ministry of Youth and Affairs said in a statement.
One of the reasons why the Asia Cup and Women’s ODI World Cup are going ahead is due to an agreement between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
After India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, the two boards agreed not to play against each other on either of their soil until 2029, at least. Due to his agreement, India will play Pakistan’s men’s team in the UAE and the women’s team in Sri Lanka, despite being the hosts of both the Asia Cup and Women’s ODI World Cup.
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