The Indian High Commission has refused to give visas to most of Pakistani scrabble players which were to set participate in Asia Cup Youth Scrabble Championship in India.
This also included players who had previously participated and won in India in 2022.
According to Pakistan Scrabble Association (PSA) director, half the team were denied visas without explanation.
Pakistan Scrabble Association expressed disappointment.
The championship organisers, who were cooperative, had obtained the necessary approvals and had assured Pakistani players of visas.
Earlier, Pakistan’s 16-year-old Affan Salman had won the 19th World Youth Scrabble Championship 2024 held in Sri Lanka in September. The Pakistani team won the team trophy as well for being the number one ranked team with four players finishing in the top ten.
In 2022, Affan’s brother Ali Salman won the same title, making it the only example of two brothers winning the World Youth championship in history.
India not coming to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025
After India refused to come to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025, the country may take India to Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Earlier, International Cricket Council (ICC) informed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about India’s decision.
The Pakistani government is not happy with India’s stubborness and has started discussions to deal with this situation. The government will take a strong stance on this matter now.
According to reports, Pakistan may refuse to play against India in any future tournaments if India follows through on its withdrawal.
India’s own cricketing revenue would also be affected if Pakistan boycotts future encounters. The PCB plans to continue pressing the ICC for a fair and consistent application of tournament regulations amidst these tensions.
Reflecting on previous fixtures between the arch-rivals, the government of Pakistan expressed disappointment and highlighted that the men in green have travelled to India for tournaments previously.
