PSB bans all sports federations from competing in India

The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) on Saturday imposed a ban on all national sports federations from participating in events in India or agreeing to competitions scheduled there due to security concerns, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

In an official notification issued to the federations, the PSB made it clear that no sporting body can commit to any event in India without prior consultation and approval from the board.

"Keeping in view the prevailing security concerns, the PSB Board in its 34th meeting held on 23rd July 2025 has decided that no National Sports Federation (NSF) shall commit to participate in any sporting event in India without prior consultation with Pakistan Sports Board," the notification stated. 

It further directed all National Sports Federations (NSF) to seek clearance from the PSB before considering participation in any event across the border.

The move came amid heightened tensions between the two countries, which have often spilled over into the sporting arena. 

For the unversed, earlier this month, the Government of Pakistan decided not to send the national hockey team to India for the upcoming Men’s Asia Cup Hockey Tournament, citing escalating political tensions and serious security concerns for the players.

According to sources, Pakistan has consistently upheld the principle of keeping sports separate from politics. However, they claim that India has politicized the sporting arena, creating a hostile and unsafe environment, particularly for visiting Pakistani athletes.