The Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman, Arun Dhumal, has confirmed that India will face Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai despite the Pahalgam attack and geopolitical tension between the countries, following updated government policy on sports engagements.
The Indian government has updated its policy on sports engagements with Pakistan, allowing Indian athletes and teams to participate in international events featuring Pakistani teams or players.
However, India will continue to abstain from competitions held in Pakistan and will not engage in any bilateral series.
In his conversation with media at the playcom Business of Sports Summit 2025, regarding Team India’s match Pakistan in the continental event Arun Dhumal said, “I would like to wish the very best to the Indian team. I think the government has clarified its position.”
“When it comes to bilaterals, we are not going to play against Pakistan. But when you have such ACC or ICC trophy events, we will have to participate in that. So we will go by what the government advises us to do,” added Arun Dhumal.
This development comes amid the ongoing controversy over the Indian cricket team facing Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup on September 14 at Dubai international stadium.
The outrage over this match stem from the anger following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed on April 22 by terrorists sponsored by Pakistan.
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to avenge the attack and dismantle terrorist infrastructure across the Line of control and deeper inside Pakistan. As a result, the relationship between the two neighbouring countries has further deteriorated.
It has been announced that the visa policy will be ‘simplified’ for sportspersons, team officials, technical personnel and office bearers of International Sports Governing Bodies, with a validity of up to five years, as confirmed by a source in the Ministry of Youth affairs and Sports in August.
