The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) instructed all National Sports Federations on Saturday to seek previous consultations and approval before participating in any sporting event held in India due to “security concerns.”
Political tensions between the two nations over the years have thrown a shadow on bilateral sporting events, which causes large tournaments to remain in equilibrium. The countries of the countries have previously refused to travel across the border for sporting events, choosing to play in a neutral terrain through a hybrid model.
A circular issued today by the PSB said the decision was taken during the 34th meeting of the Board held on Wednesday. The circular explicitly urged all national federations to strictly adhere to the directive.
“In view of the current security situation, no national federation will have any commitment or agreement with respect to participation in sporting events in India without PSB prior permission,” he said.
The PSB cited security concerns as a reason for the new directive.
There has been an increase in tensions between India and Pakistan following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam earlier this year that left 26 dead tourists.
India blamed Pakistan for the attack, an accusation that Islamabad denies. The incident triggered a series of diplomatic measures of Tit-For-Tat by the two countries with each other and a military conflict until the fire was announced in May.
India will organize the Women’s 50 World Cup this year, but Pakistan will play all its games in Sri Lanka under an agreement made by the International Cricket Council.
India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy this year and played all her games, including the March 9 final, in Dubai.
Last week, a Cricket match among Indian and Pakistani veteran players, part of the Legends World Championship, was suspended after Indian players, including Shikhar Dhawan, refused to play against Pakistan, citing tensions between the two nations.
