Uncertainty looms over Pakistan's SAFF Cup participation as visa approval delays continue

 Visa Approval Delays Cast Doubt on Pakistan's Participation in SAFF Cup

LAHORE: Pakistan's national football team's much-anticipated participation in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Cup is facing uncertainty as the team still awaits visa approval for the tournament in India. The SAFF Cup, scheduled from June 21 to July 4 in Bengaluru, hangs in the balance as the Pakistani football community anxiously awaits a resolution.

Originally planned to depart for India on Sunday at 11:30 am, the Pakistani team finds themselves in a state of limbo due to unforeseen visa complications. The Indian authorities have requested the team to reschedule their departure for Monday, casting doubts on their timely arrival and their ability to prepare for the tournament.

Currently stationed in Mauritius, the Pakistani football squad eagerly awaits the issuance of their Indian visas. Despite initial expectations of receiving the visas by Saturday, progress has been slow, leaving the team in a state of uncertainty and unease.

The delay in obtaining Indian visas has posed a significant challenge for the Pakistani contingent. The Indian High Commission in Mauritius has yet to receive clearance from their Home Ministry, leading to a prolonged visa issuance process. Efforts have been made to expedite the process through the Pakistan High Commission in India, but concerns remain regarding the time-consuming nature of individual visa clearances for the players, further heightening the uncertainty surrounding their participation.

The uncertain status of Pakistan's involvement in the SAFF Cup has not only affected the players but also carries financial implications. If the team's departure is rescheduled, it could result in an estimated loss of approximately Rs13 million. Additionally, extending the team's stay in Mauritius until Monday or Tuesday would incur additional boarding and lodging expenses for Pakistan.

The coming hours are crucial as they will determine whether the visas will be granted in time or if the Pakistani team will be forced to withdraw from the SAFF Cup. The ongoing visa issue has taken a toll on the players' mental state and focus, resulting in a lackluster performance in their recent game against Djibouti, which ended in a 3-1 defeat on Sunday.

Efforts to seek clarification and assistance from Haroon Malik, the FIFA-appointed chairman of the Normalisation Committee, have been unsuccessful, adding to the frustrations surrounding the visa delays.

The football community and passionate fans in Pakistan anxiously await a swift resolution to the visa predicament. They hope that the Pakistani team will overcome the delays and be able to participate in the SAFF Cup as planned. Timely visa issuance would not only allow the team to showcase their skills and represent their country but also foster healthy competition and sportsmanship among the South Asian nations.

As the SAFF Cup draws nearer, the football fraternity in Pakistan remains hopeful that the visa hurdles will be overcome, enabling the national team to compete and make their mark in the tournament. The collective spirit of the players and the unwavering support of the fans are poised to carry Pakistan's football aspirations forward, irrespective of the challenges faced.