NEW DELHI: In a welcome development, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has given clearance for the issuance of visas by the Ministry of External Affairs for the Pakistani contingent to participate in the the T20 World Cup for the Blind, which India is hosting.
It bears noting that till Tuesday, which was when the tournament was slated to kick off with Pakistan, who are the top-ranked team in the world, was scheduled to play their opener against South Africa, there had been no word from the External Affairs Ministry on the matter.
Cricket Association for Blind in India (CABI) had released the following statement on the unfortunate state of affirs: “With reference to the information received from the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council, Pakistan Blind Cricket Team will not be able to participate in the ongoing 3rd T20 World Cup for the Blind, being held in India in spite of CABI taking all required steps to process their application for VISA. CABI will be releasing an updated tournament schedule on account of Pakistan’s non-participation very soon.”
CABI’s statement came after the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) lambasted the Indian authorities, stating: “As per the available information the Ministry of External Affairs India has denied Pakistan Blind Cricket Clearance on Political Ground. PBCC strongly condemned this discriminating act of India as Sports should be above the regional politics and particularly the Special Persons mega sports events would be treated fairly and all teams must be given equal chances to compete the event. Our counterpart Blind Cricket Association in India pleaded their Govt for Pakistan clearance but nothing was heard.”
Coming back to the MHA’s welcome about turn, media reports quoted government sources as having said, “MHA has cleared names of 34 players and officials of Pakistan Blind cricket team for World Cup in India after scrutiny.”
Asked about the matter, said government officials stated, “MHA doesn’t issue visas. All 34 names of the Pakistani players and officials have been cleared for issuance of visas. Foreign high commission issues the visas.”
Seven countries – Australia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, South Africa, Sri Lanka and hosts and two-time defending champions India – will feature in the 11-day 24-match schedule drawn up for the event. The World Cup is to be played across nine cities.
Besides Delhi/NCR, India’s group stage matches will be played in Indore, Kochi, Cuttack and Panjim.
The semifinals and the grand final will be hosted by Bengaluru.
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T20 World Cup for the Blind: Govt denies visas to Pak team
