It was revealed on Tuesday that the Indian government would not grant visas to the Pakistani blind cricket team for the T20 Blind World Cup in 2022.
The Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) expressed its disappointment at the Indian government’s decision to refuse to grant visas to the Pakistan blind cricket team, claiming that New Delhi made the decision on "political grounds.”
Pakistan, a two-time runner-up, is a strong contender to win the T20 World Cup, according to a statement from the PBCC. The blind cricket team from Pakistan was scheduled to depart for India on Sunday to take part in the international competition.
India hosts the T20 Blind World Cup from December 5 to December 17.
Sultan Shah, the president of the World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) and chairman of the PBCA, revealed that the Indian foreign ministry had not issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) for visas.
Shah said, "We didn’t get visas because the Indian foreign ministry didn’t issue NOC.”
"In Lahore, our team is awaiting visas. All of the games will be rescheduled if we are given permission to leave today "Added he.
WBCC President Shah had earlier asserted that India was granted the hosting rights under the condition that it would grant visas to all participating countries.
Political policies have a significant impact on relations between Pakistan and India, whether it be in traditional cricket or another special form. From 2012 to 2013, the two teams only faced off in men’s competitions sponsored by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Recently, India refused to travel to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023 due to political pressure. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s secretary and Asian Cricket Council (ACC)’s president Jay Shah statement sparked controversy.
Meanwhile, PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja had clearly stated that Pakistan will not go to India for ICC World Cup 2023 if they don’t come to Pakistan for the Asian event next year.
