The Pakistan Blind player Council (PBCC) has maintained that India has refused visas for their blind cricket squad for the T20 World Cup for the Blind. The 3rd edition of the tournament is being occurred in India from December 6 to 17.
Pakistan was one of the 7 countries supposed to take part in the T20 World Cup for the Blind. They were expected to take on South Africa on Tuesday in New Delhi.
It was primarily reported that their arrival was delayed due to visa issues. Although, an official announcement by PBCC has now claimed that Pakistan’s team was not allowed visas for the World Cup. The PBCC statement read:
“Pakistan Blind Cricket Council, with sheer disappointment, would like to update you that India has denied visas of the Pakistan Blind Cricket Team to participate in the T20 World Cup Cricket of the Blind to be held in India from December 5 to 17.”
Talking further disappointment at the development, PBCC stated that Pakistan was a serious contender to win the World Cup. The statement said:
“The PBCC strongly condemned this discriminating act of India as sports should be above regional politics, and particularly the Special Persons mega sports events would be treated fairly and all teams must be given equal chances to compete in the event. Our counterpart Blind Cricket Association in India pleaded with their government for Pakistan’s clearance but nothing was heard.
“This discriminating act will have serious consequences on global blind cricket as we at World Blind Cricket will take stern action against them and may not allow India to host future International events,” the statement further read.
India refuses visas of Pakistan Blind Cricket Team to participate in T-20 World Cup Cricket of the Blind ( 5 to 17 December 2022 in India ).
Pakistan was a serious contender to win the World Cup. Really disappointing for our boys who prepared tirelessly for this World Cup. 💔 pic.twitter.com/28gGcMSMEZ
— Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) (@pbcc_official) December 6, 2022
As per PBCC’s official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs India denied the Pakistan team approval based on political grounds.
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T20 World Cup for Blind plan
India defeats Nepal by 274 runs in their opening encounter of the T20 World Cup for Blind in Faridabad on Tuesday, Dec 6. They were expected to take on Pakistan at the DDA Siri Fort Complex on December 7.
In addition to India and Nepal, Sri Lanka, Australia, Bangladesh, and South Africa are the other squad taking part in the T20 World Cup for the Blind.
7️⃣ Countries,
9️⃣ Cities,
2️⃣4️⃣ Matches &
Millions of Followers!
Mark your calendars! 3T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind 2022 starts on December 5, 2022.
Together, let us support blind cricket!#cricket #blindcricket #blindcricketworldcup #worldcupseason pic.twitter.com/dJZsMIO2zc— Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) (@blind_cricket) November 29, 2022
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Also read:- ICC World Test Championship score (Updated) as on (Monday) December 5 after PAK vs ENG 2022 first Test