On May 6, 2026, the Indian government issued an official Office Memorandum formalising a "dual-track" sports policy for Pakistan. This directive effectively splits sporting relations into two rigid categories to balance national security with India's global hosting ambitions. The government has imposed a complete freeze on one-on-one series between India and Pakistan across all sports, effective immediately. Indian teams are strictly prohibited from visiting Pakistan for any bilateral matches. Pakistan will not be allowed to play bilateral series on Indian soil. Unlike previous years where neutral venues like Dubai were an option, the new policy clarifies that India will not engage in bilaterals even at third-party locations. “Pakistanis will be able to participate in multilateral events hosted by India. In so far as bilateral sports events in each other’s country, Indian teams won’t participate in Pakistan. Nor will we permit Pakistani teams to play in India. We are guided by the practices of international sports bodies and the interest of our own sportspersons”.

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To safeguard India's standing with international bodies like the ICC and IOC, the government has provided specific exemptions for multi-nation tournaments. India will continue to face Pakistan in events like the Olympics, World Cups, and Asia Cups to avoid international sanctions. In a major shift, the government has introduced priority multi-entry visas for Pakistani athletes and officials participating in multilateral events hosted in India.

Long term impact of this new policy

The long-term impact of this "Dual-Track" policy marks a permanent shift in how international sports will function in South Asia. By moving from an informal boycott to a formal government directive, the ripple effects will be felt for decades. TV rights for India-Pakistan matches are the most lucrative in the world. Since these matches will now only happen in multi-nation tournaments, the commercial value of events like the Asia Cup and World Cup will skyrocket compared to bilateral series.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) requires host nations to guarantee entry for all qualified athletes. By formalising "Priority Visas" for Pakistani athletes in multilateral events, India avoids being disqualified as a host for the Olympics or Commonwealth Games.