India and Pakistan matches have always attracted huge attention across sports. The cricket rivalry between the two nations carries even greater intensity. With Pakistan set to host the 2027 South Asian Games, there had been questions over whether India would travel across the border. Reports from Pakistan now suggest that India has confirmed its participation in the competition. The development could open the door for another India-Pakistan cricket match on Pakistani soil.
Pakistan to Host South Asian Games
Pakistan will host the 14th South Asian Games from April 3 to 11, 2027. It will be the country’s first time hosting the regional multi-sport event in almost two decades. Pakistan last hosted the South Asian Games in 2004. The ninth edition was held in Islamabad. The return of the event is expected to provide a boost to Pakistan’s sporting culture and revenue.
The 2027 edition will be staged across Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar. Islamabad will host the opening ceremony and remain one of the main venues for the competition. India’s participation means fans could get another chance to watch an India-Pakistan cricket match in Pakistan. The two teams have not played a bilateral series since 2013 and have mostly met at neutral venues in recent years.
Indian representatives reportedly dismissed concerns about the country’s participation because of diplomatic tensions. They attended the South Asia Olympic Council (SAOC) Executive Committee meeting through video conference and backed Pakistan’s hosting plans.
The SAOC Executive Committee approved the schedule and overall structure of the Games during a meeting in Islamabad. Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) President Arif Saeed chaired the meeting, while representatives from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives attended in person.
Can Pakistan solve their selection dilemmas before Lord’s?
Three Cities to Host 28 Sports
Islamabad and Lahore will stage most of the competitions, with Lahore and Islamabad also set to host the closing ceremony. Peshawar will conduct several sporting events as part of the Games. A total of 28 sports will feature in the competition. The list includes athletics, swimming, cricket, wushu, boxing, hockey, wrestling, badminton, squash, football and volleyball. Athletes from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are expected to take part.
During the meeting, the Pakistan Olympic Association also gave visiting delegates a tour of the country’s facilities. Videos showcasing Lahore’s sporting infrastructure were presented as Pakistan looks to demonstrate its readiness to host the event.
India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral cricket series for more than a decade. The teams have instead faced each other at neutral venues during major tournaments such as the World Cup, Asia Cup and Champions Trophy.
India have not travelled to Pakistan for cricket in recent years because of political tensions between the two countries. Their matches have been played at neutral venues, including tournaments hosted by one of the two nations.
Relations between the two teams have also affected match-day traditions. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, mandatory handshakes at the toss and after matches were paused. During the Asia Cup 2025, India also refused to collect the trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi. The incident became another major talking point in the long-running India-Pakistan sporting rivalry.
Top 5 Best Records of Jofra Archer