India deny visas to Pakistan’s Snooker team for World Championship

Pakistan’s snooker team has been barred from participating in the upcoming World Under-17 and Under-21 Snooker Championships in India due to visa denial.

The team, which included Husnain Akhtar, Hamza Ilyas, and Ahsan Ramzan, had applied for a visa but had not been granted entry despite having the required NOCs.

Alamgir Sheikh, the chairman of the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association, expressed his disappointment, saying that Pakistan had lost out on possible medals due to India’s decision.

A strong protest has been lodged with the International World Snooker Association and the Indian organizers.

Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet made up its mind on the Indian cricket team’s 2025 ICC Champions Trophy trip to Pakistan.

The tournament, scheduled for 2025, will feature eight teams, including India and Pakistan. However, India’s participation remains uncertain, with BCCI Secretary Jay Shah stating, “No stand as of now. We will cross the bridge when it comes.”

The two cricketing giants have avoided bilateral series due to strained relations, with their last encounter being the 2017 Champions Trophy final, won by Pakistan.