14 February 2004	Saturday	22 Zilhaj 1424

LAHORE, Feb 13: A 25-member Indian Punjab's kabaddi team was denied permission on Friday to enter Pakistan at Wagah check post by their immigration staff as it had reportedly failed to get clearance from its federal Interior Ministry.

The team comprising 20 players and five officials, had reached Wagah with visas but their immigration staff did not allow them to cross over to Pakistan as they were without an NOC (no-objection certificate) from their Interior Ministry.

The team manager was seen trying to contact their ministry but could not get any reply till the closure of check post at 3:30pm.

Punjab Sports Minister Naeemullah Khan Shahani and officials of Punjab Kabaddi Association who had been waiting for the guests on this side of the border had spotted them on the other side.

The minister later said he hoped the team would be able to get clearance by tomorrow (Saturday) and the first tie of 10-match series would be played as scheduled in Lahore on Saturday at 2 pm.

The Indians are scheduled to play Pakistan from Feb 14 to 28.