India denies visas to Pakistan's scrabble team

The Indian High Commission has denied visas to the majority of Pakistan’s scrabble team, preventing the defending champions from participating in the Asia Cup Youth Scrabble Championship and the Delhi Cup in India, according to officials.

Pakistan Scrabble Association (PSA) Director Tariq Perez told APP, “Despite submitting applications two months in advance, the Indian High Commission has delayed processing, issuing some visas too late for players to attend.”

Perez said that half the team was denied visas without explanation, including players who had previously competed and won in India last year. The PSA expressed disappointment over the decision, describing it as a setback to the sporting spirit and fair competition.

“As reigning World Youth Champions and defending Asian Youth titleholders, Pakistan’s absence is a significant blow,” Perez added, noting that the players had travelled to Lahore expecting visa approvals and would now return to Karachi.

The visa denials surprised tournament organisers, who had cooperated closely with Pakistani authorities and secured necessary approvals, Perez noted. He confirmed that the Pakistan team would now focus on future international competitions with hopes of more favourable outcomes.

Sixteen-year-old Affan Salman, one of Pakistan’s standout players, recently won the 19th World Youth Scrabble Championship in Sri Lanka in September.

Pakistan, ranked as the top team, claimed the team trophy with four players in the top ten. Affan follows his brother Ali Salman, who won the same title in 2022, marking the only instance of two brothers holding the World Youth title consecutively.