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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has deeply regretted non-issuance of visa to its blind cricket team by India for participation in the third T-20 World Cup Cricket Tournament for the Blind. The tournament is being played in India on 5-17 December 2022. This was stated in a statement released by Foreign Office the other day.
The statement came after Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) said India had denied the team the visas for the tournament which is taking place in the neighboring country from Dec 5 to 17.
Also read: India denies visas to Pakistani team for Blind T20 Cricket World Cup
Earlier this week, the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) had confirmed that Pakistan cricket team for the visually impaired would soon be granted visa to come to India for the third T20 World Cup for the Blind scheduled from December 5-17.
Also read: Pak cricket team for visually impaired to get Indian visa for T20 World Cup
Mahantesh GK, President of CABI was quoted as confirming that Pakistan and India are set to square off at the Siri Fort Ground on December 7. Earlier, there were some issues with regard to the participation of the Pakistan team due to the delay in the issuance of visas.
However, Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) said India had denied the team the visas for the tournament and “this unfortunate incident had left the Pakistan blind cricket team in the lurch.”
Foreign Office spokesperson said as a result of the Indian decision, Pakistani players would be deprived of the opportunity to participate in an international sporting event of special significance. This reflects India’s insensitivity towards promotion of sports meant for differently-abled persons.
“The sports events must not be politicized, we have conveyed our disappointment to the Indian side,” the spokesperson added.
