Amidst the ongoing rift between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) due to the Champions Trophy 2025, the Indian High Commission has refused to issue visas to Pakistani players for the Asia Cup Youth Scrabble Championship and Delhi Cup. As per a report, the Pakistani players submitted applications two months back but as the matter got stretched.
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Pakistan Scrabble Association director Tariq Parvez was disappointed regarding the decision and while speaking to news organisations revealed that most of the Pakistani players were denied visas without any explanation. The players included them as well who participated in the previous edition held in 2022 and was won by Pakistan. He further stated that most of the players travelled to Lahore from Karachi in anticipation that the visas will be issued but at the end they had to return back in disappointment.
He said, “Half the team was denied visas without explanation, including players who had previously competed and triumphed in India just last year. As reigning World Youth Champions and defending Asian Youth titleholders, Pakistan’s absence is a significant setback for the tournament.”
Sporting relations between India and Pakistan have always been on a bitter note. The most debated topic in the sporting fraternity is India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. The multinational tournament is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in February-March next year and the preparations for the tournament are in full swing. However, with BCCI wanting to play the tournament under hybrid model and PCB being adamant to host the whole competition in Pakistan itself will only result in a heartbreak for the fans.
