New Delhi: Amidst the Champions Trophy stand-off between BCCI and PCB, other sporting events also seem to hit a standstill. The Indian High Commission has now refused to issue visas to most Pakistani players from the upcoming Asia Cup Youth Scrabble Championship and Delhi Cup. It has been reported that Pakistan players had submitted applications two months in advance, but the matter lingered on. Now, the Indian High Commission has confirmed that the said players will not be issued visas. https://www.youtube.com/live/FxBnQN7Psxs?si=u0MkdmKrZnJ-yIur The Director of the Pakistan Scrabble Association (PSA), Tariq Pervez expressed his strong disappointment at the Indian government's decision. In an interview with a Pakistani-based media outlet APP, Pervez revealed that half the team was denied visas without explanation, including players who had previously participated and won in India in 2022. https://youtu.be/8DqBqewuDU0?si=AjFmVqdD1Z_9Q-RK Pervez also revealed that Pakistan's scrabble players, awaiting visas, travelled to Lahore in anticipation of receiving visas but would now have to return to Karachi disappointed. Speaking about the sharp turn in attitude from the Indian government, Pervez remarked: Half the team was denied visas without explanation, including players who had previously competed and triumphed in India just last year... With the recent developments, the sporting relations between India and Pakistan hit an all-new low. Naturally, it will be difficult for both parties to arrive at a middle ground. What is the India vs Pakistan controversy? The India vs Pakistan rivalry has become nasty in a heated exchange of words around the issue of the ICC Champions Trophy. The problem started when India decided that it wouldn't be travelling to Pakistan for the ICC tournament, which is slated to be played in Pakistan in 2025. According to a report by a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesperson, the board has confirmed to the leading media outlets of India that ICC has conveyed to them regarding India not travelling to Pakistan for the tournament, which is slated to be played from February 19-March 9 next year.
