India has reportedly denied a visa to Pakistan’s head coach for the Blind Women’s Cricket World Cup, preventing his participation in the upcoming international event. The tournament is set to begin on November 11 and will be hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka.
According to the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC), head coach Masood Jan was scheduled to travel to India to coach Nepal’s team during the championship. However, his visa request was declined, halting his plans to join the tournament.
The PBCC confirmed that Jan was invited by Nepal to guide their players in the global competition. His absence will likely affect the Nepali team’s preparations, as Jan is known for his extensive experience in blind cricket coaching.
Masood Jan is one of Pakistan’s most respected blind cricket figures. He received the Pride of Performance award for his exceptional contribution to the sport and has been instrumental in training and developing visually impaired athletes across South Asia.
The visa denial has sparked disappointment among sporting circles, especially considering that the Blind Cricket World Cup aims to promote inclusion and international collaboration.
Cricket observers believe such decisions undermine the spirit of sportsmanship and the role of sports in bridging divides between nations. However, officials have yet to provide an official explanation for the refusal.
Despite the setback, Pakistan’s blind cricket community continues to express solidarity with Jan and the Nepali team, praising his long-standing commitment to the advancement of blind cricket worldwide.
As the World Cup approaches, the issue has drawn attention to the challenges faced by athletes and coaches from neighboring countries amid diplomatic tensions.
