The Pakistan government has officially declined to grant permission for its sports teams to travel to India for the Asia Cup 2025, citing security concerns following escalating tensions from India’s Operation Sindoor and the recent Pahalgam attack. This move introduces considerable uncertainty around the prestigious cricket tournament set for September 2025.
Officials from Pakistan have indicated they are conducting a thorough review of the overall security environment before deciding on allowing the hockey team to participate in both the Asia Cup and the Junior World Cup, also hosted in India. Ensuring the safety of Pakistani players remains a top priority in view of increased political tensions and threats proliferating on social media. Consequently, the Pakistan Hockey Federation continues to await formal government approval.
Meanwhile, the situation is further complicated as India and Sri Lanka have declined to attend a critical meeting in Bangladesh aimed at coordinating the Asia Cup cricket series. With Pakistan unlikely to travel to India, speculation is mounting that the tournament might be moved to a neutral venue such as the United Arab Emirates.
This development underscores the broader geopolitical strains between India and Pakistan, which are impacting not only diplomacy but also the spirit of sportsmanship and regional cooperation in sports.
Stay tuned to Questiqa World News for the latest updates on this evolving story.
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