Amidst the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy standoff between India and Pakistan, the sporting rivalry between the two nations has extended to other events. The Indian High Commission has denied visas to a majority of Pakistani players for the upcoming Asia Cup Youth Scrabble Championship and Delhi Cup.
The Pakistan Scrabble Association (PSA) has expressed dismay over the decision, stating that half of the team, including previous winners in India, have been denied visas without explanation. The affected players had submitted their applications two months in advance, but the matter remained unresolved.
PSA Director Tariq Pervez lamented the setback, emphasizing that Pakistan’s absence as reigning World Youth Champions and defending Asian Youth titleholders would diminish the tournament’s prestige. He also noted that the players had traveled to Lahore in anticipation of receiving visas, only to be disappointed.
The visa denial has further strained sporting relations between India and Pakistan, which have been marred by the debate over the Indian cricket team’s participation in next year’s ICC Champions Trophy. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the ICC and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of its decision not to send the ODI team to Pakistan for the tournament.
While the PCB remains determined to host the entire event at home, the BCCI has proposed a hybrid format. However, the PCB has yet to make a decision on the matter, as it holds the hosting rights for the tournament.
The visa denial for Pakistani scrabble players is a reflection of the broader tensions between India and Pakistan, which have impacted various aspects of bilateral relations, including sports. The outcome of the Champions Trophy standoff remains uncertain, and it remains to be seen whether the two countries can find a compromise that allows for the tournament to proceed as planned.
