India Denies Visas to Pakistan’s Scrabble Team

In an unsurprising turn of events, most of Pakistan’s Scrabble team has been denied visas by the Indian High Commission, blocking the defending champions from competing in the Asia Cup Youth Scrabble Championship and the Delhi Cup in India.

Pakistan Scrabble Association (PSA) Director Tariq Perez expressed disappointment over the decision, revealing that despite applications being submitted two months in advance, the visa process was delayed, with some visas issued too late for players to attend.

“Half the team was denied visas without explanation, including players who had previously competed and triumphed in India just last year,” said Perez.

The PSA described the situation as a blow to the spirit of sportsmanship, especially given that Pakistan’s team has been a dominant force on the international scrabble scene.

“As reigning World Youth Champions and defending Asian Youth titleholders, Pakistan’s absence is a significant setback for the tournament,” Perez added. The players, who had traveled to Lahore in anticipation of visa approvals, are now returning to Karachi, unable to participate.

Tournament organizers, who had coordinated closely with Pakistani authorities and secured all necessary approvals, were equally surprised by the visa denials.

According to Perez, the team is now shifting focus to upcoming international competitions, where they hope for smoother arrangements.

Among those missing out is 16-year-old Affan Salman, who recently clinched the title at the 19th World Youth Scrabble Championship in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan has established itself as a scrabble powerhouse, with Affan following in the footsteps of his older brother Ali Salman, who won the same title in 2022—making them the only brothers to hold back-to-back World Youth titles.

Despite this setback, Pakistan’s young scrabble stars remain determined, looking to continue their winning streak on the global stage.