The Pakistani football team’s long-awaited return to India for the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Cup is in jeopardy as visa complications continue to delay their departure. The tournament, scheduled to take place in Bengaluru from June 21 to July 4, may witness the absence of the Pakistani team if the visa issue remains unresolved.
AIFF Assures Visa Completion:
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) Secretary General, Shaji Parbharkaram, has assured the concerned parties that the visa process will be completed by tomorrow. When approached for updates on the visa situation, Parbharkaram responded via WhatsApp, stating, “It will be done tomorrow.” The AIFF is making every effort to manage the visas for the Pakistani team, which is eager to participate in the tournament after a nine-year hiatus.
Passport Collection Delayed:
Sources close to the development revealed that Pakistani team officials were scheduled to collect their passports from India’s High Commission in Mauritius on Sunday. However, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Normalisation Committee instructed them to delay the visit, as the AIFF was actively working on securing the visas for the team. Consequently, the team’s departure, initially planned for Sunday at 11:30 am, had to be postponed due to the pending visa issuance.
Hope for Visa Acquisition Today:
The team management had informed Mauritian football authorities that they anticipated receiving their Indian visas today (Monday). The authorities have been accommodating, allowing the Pakistani team to continue staying in the hotel where they resided during the recently concluded four-nation football event. However, if the visas are not obtained today, Pakistan may have to bear the additional expenses of extending their stay in Mauritius.
Anxiety and Frustration Grow:
The uncertainty surrounding the visa situation has taken a toll on the team’s morale. A source within the team expressed the mental agony they have endured over the past three days. The players had been eagerly looking forward to the SAFF Cup, but the visa issues have plunged them into deep distress. The mounting concern among team members stems from the looming possibility of missing their first game against India on June 21, should further delays occur.
Read More: Abdul Razzaq reveals income of Pakistani cricketers from his time
Rescheduling Matches if Visa Delay Persists:
Should the team arrive in India on June 21 or even the night before, team sources have requested the organizers to reschedule their opening match against India. The potential rescheduling aims to accommodate the Pakistani team, allowing them a fair chance to compete in the tournament, despite the setbacks caused by the visa complications.
Critical Moments Await:
As the Pakistani football team eagerly awaits the resolution of their visa troubles, critical moments lie ahead. With the SAFF Cup just around the corner, time is of the essence, and the team hopes for a swift resolution to secure their participation in the tournament. The football community remains on edge, eagerly anticipating news on the team’s visa status, as the clock ticks closer to the tournament’s commencement.
