Team from Pak denied visa for CL T20

The soured relationship between India and Pakistan over recent incidents along the Line of Control (LoC) has now claimed a “wicket”. India has refused to grant visa to a Pakistani T20 cricket team to participate in the Champions League tournament starting September 17.

The cricketers of Faisalabad Wolves, led by Misbah-ul-Haq, cannot play in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League T20 in the country.

The denial of visa to the Pakistani team comes against the backdrop of recent ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the LoC, which has triggered tension between the two countries.

Officials said the decision was taken as a matter of abundant precaution in terms of safety and security. “The government has not given the green signal for the cricket team's visit,” they said.

The already complex relationship between the countries had witnessed fresh trouble in the recent months following the attacks and counter-attacks along the LoC. Five Indian soldiers were killed last month, allegedly by Pakistani soldiers, triggering nationwide outrage. Pakistan countered it, saying that it was Indian soldiers who killed their men in uniform.

As tension brewed, India had last month refused visa to a Pakistani religious group to attend Urs here, and suggested that they defer their visit in view of their safety and security.

The Faisalabad Wolves' participation in the tournament had been confirmed before the problems arose along the LoC. However, things changed as the situation deteriorated.

Last year, the BCCI had invited Pakistan to send its domestic T20 champions — Sialkot Stallions — for the Champions League, which was held in South Africa.
The Sialkot Stallions, however, did not make it to the main round. Now, Faisalabad Wolves has emerged the national T20 champion.