Another big news has come to the fore amidst the ongoing controversy regarding the organization of Asia Cup 2023. As per reports, the Indian government has denied visas to Pakistan's blind cricket team for the ongoing T20 Blind T20 World Cup. On this decision, the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) said that the Indian government has decided on "political grounds". The PBCC said in a statement that two-time runners-up Pakistan is a strong contender to win the T20 World Cup. Pakistan's blind cricket team was to leave for India on Sunday to participate in an international sporting event.
The Ministry of External Affairs did not issue NOC
According to the news of Geo News, the T20 World Cup for the Blind is being held in India from December 5 to December 17. PBCA President Sultan Shah is also the President of the World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC). He revealed that India's Ministry of External Affairs is not issuing No Objection Certificates (NOC) for visas. Shah said- “We did not get a visa because the Ministry of External Affairs of India did not issue NOC.”
The team waiting for a visa in Lahore
"Our team is in Lahore, waiting for visas," he said. If we get permission to travel today, all matches will be rescheduled." Pakistan ranked as the number one team in the world was to play their first match of the tournament against South Africa today. Earlier, WBCC president Shah had claimed that India was given the hosting rights on the condition of issuing visas to all the participating countries. The two countries have only played against each other in International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments since 2012–13.
Asia Cup will be held at a neutral venue
Recently, BCI Secretary Jai Shah said about the Asia Cup 2023 that the Asia Cup will be held at a neutral venue. However, he also said that the decision to go to Pakistan or not will depend on the government.
At the same time, PCB chairman Rameez Raja had said that if Pakistan does not come to Pakistan for the Asian event next year, then it will not go to India for the ICC World Cup 2023.
CABI issued this statement
The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) has issued a statement on the matter. CABI has issued a statement that all necessary steps are being taken for his application for a visa. CABI will issue an update on Pakistan's involvement soon.
Note: At present, no statement has been issued by the Government of India on this matter. This news has been made by quoting Pakistani media. News 24 does not confirm this.
