Visa Denial Stirs Controversy in Billiards World Championships

The Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) has filed a complaint after their players were denied visas by the Indian High Commission for the IBSF U-18 and U-21 World Championships in Bengaluru. Despite timely applications, three Pakistani players and a referee could not participate due to visa issues.

The Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) has officially lodged a complaint with the sport's global governing body and event organizers after their team was denied visas by the Indian High Commission. The denial prevented their participation in the IBSF U-18 and U-21 World Championships, which began on Saturday in Bengaluru.

According to senior PBSA official Alamgir Sheikh, the association had completed the necessary formalities and submitted visa applications for three players—Ahsan Ramazan, Hasnain Akhtar, and Hamza Illyas—well in advance. However, the Indian authorities failed to issue the visas, hindering their ability to compete.

Sheikh emphasized the players' recent strong performances and potential to excel at the championships. Additionally, referee Naveed Kapadia, who was nominated by the IBSF to officiate at the event, was also barred from attending due to visa denial. The PBSA has since raised the issue with both the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) and India's national body.

(With inputs from agencies.)