Pakistan’s snooker team has been barred from participating in the upcoming World Under-17 and Under-21 Snooker Championships in Bangalore, India, after New Delhi refused to issue visas for the Pakistani players.
The championships are scheduled from August 24 to 31, and the Pakistani team, consisting of cueists Ahsan Ramzan, Hamza Ilyas, and Husnain Akhtar, along with Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association Chairman Alamgir Sheikh and referee Naveed Kapadia, had submitted their visa applications well in advance. Despite obtaining all necessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Pakistan Sports Board and relevant ministries, the visa requests were denied.
Chairman Alamgir Sheikh expressed deep disappointment over the denial, stating that the decision has deprived Pakistan of potential medals. A strong protest has been lodged with the International World Snooker Association and the Indian organisers regarding the issue.
This is not the first instance where strained relations between the two countries have impacted sports. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to decide on sending the Indian cricket team to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as revealed by Secretary Jay Shah.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) awarded the hosting rights for the 2025 Champions Trophy to Pakistan, marking a significant event on the country’s cricket calendar. The tournament will feature eight teams, with their participation determined by performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India.
India is placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B includes Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan.
When asked about India’s participation in Pakistan, Shah remarked, “No stand as of now. We will cross the bridge when it comes,” as reported by the Times of India.
The last time India toured Pakistan was during the 2008 Asia Cup, while Pakistan’s most recent visit to India was for a bilateral series in 2012-13. Both nations have avoided bilateral series due to ongoing tensions.
The 2025 Champions Trophy will be the ninth edition of the tournament, with the last held in 2017, where Pakistan clinched their first title by defeating India in the final.
