KARACHI: The Pakistan snooker team has been denied visas by Indian authorities, depriving them from participation in two upcoming World Championships. the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) said on Saturday.

The PBSA said India’s decision has ended Pakistan’s chances of securing medals in the World Under-17 and World Under-21 Snooker Championships, scheduled to take place in Bangalore from August 24 to 31.

“We are deeply disappointed by India’s unexpected move,” PBSA chairman Alamgir Shaikh said in the statement. “We had applied for visas through the Pakistan Sports Board and other organisations, and were in contact with the Indian Snooker Federation.”

The PBSA had selected Ahsan Ramzan, Hamza Ilyas, and Husnain Akhtar to represent Pakistan in the championships. The association has lodged a strong protest with the International World Snooker Association and Indian organisers over the visa denial, Alamgir said.

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2024