In a significant development, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has imposed a new policy requiring all national sports federations to seek prior approval before participating in any sports competition held in India. This decision, aimed at addressing mounting security concerns and political sensitivities, has been taken on the special instructions of the Prime Minister’s Office.
The directive was formally adopted during the 34th meeting of the PSB Board, and a circular outlining the policy has since been distributed to all national federations. The circular clearly states that no sports body in Pakistan is permitted to independently commit to, negotiate for, or announce participation in any event organized in India without obtaining explicit permission from the PSB.
“In view of the prevailing regional security challenges, national federations must first consult and obtain clearance from the Pakistan Sports Board before entering into any agreements regarding events in India,” reads the official statement.
This measure comes amid growing regional tensions, particularly between the two South Asian neighbours, which have historically experienced strained relations. While sporting events have occasionally served as platforms for diplomacy, the current policy highlights a prioritization of national security and procedural oversight over such engagements.
The PSB has made it clear that this directive is to be implemented without exception. Federations found violating this mandate will face disciplinary action. “There will be no leniency for bypassing the protocol. All federations must adhere strictly to the new policy,” the board warned in its communication.
According to officials familiar with the matter, this step was taken to ensure that all overseas sports participation—especially in countries where security or political concerns exist—is in alignment with national policy and risk assessments conducted by relevant authorities.
Sources within the PSB also noted that the decision is not aimed at halting sports diplomacy but rather at streamlining communication and accountability. The policy allows the government to assess each opportunity individually while factoring in geopolitical developments, ensuring that athletes are not exposed to undue risks.
This is not the first time sporting ties between Pakistan and India have been impacted by political developments. Past years have seen cancellations and boycotts on both sides, often prompted by border skirmishes or diplomatic breakdowns. However, the current measure formalizes a previously informal process of consultation and adds a legal binding that federations must follow.
Federation officials have so far responded cautiously to the new directive, with many saying they await further clarification on the approval process and whether exceptions may be made for major international events such as the Olympics or ICC cricket tournaments hosted in India.
Until such clarification is issued, all sports federations in Pakistan will be required to submit their event participation proposals to the PSB for clearance, particularly for events hosted by India. This directive is expected to impact a number of sports, including cricket, hockey, wrestling, and badminton, where cross-border competitions have been frequent.
The Pakistan Sports Board is expected to release a detailed SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) in the coming weeks to guide federations on how to request approvals and what documentation will be required.
