Pakistan ‘deeply regrets’ India’s decision to deny visas to blind cricket team

Pakistan on Tuesday “deeply regretted” India’s decision to deny its blind cricket team visas for participation in the third T-20 World Cup Cricket Tournament for the Blind.

The tournament is being played in India from December 5 to 17.

“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,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.

The statement said the move reflected India’s “insensitivity” towards promotion of sports meant for differently-abled persons.

“The sports events must not be politicised. We have conveyed our disappointment to the Indian side,” it added.

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Earlier today, the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) said in a statement that India had denied the team visas for the tournament.

“This unfortunate incident has left the Pakistan blind cricket team in the lurch,” the statement added.

“It was highly likely that Pakistan and India would have locked horns in the final of ongoing World Cup and considering the current form of Green Shirts, Pakistan had high chances to win the World Cup,” the PBCC said.