NEW DELHI: Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto's comments on PM Narendra Modi during the UNSC meeting in New York last week is likely to affect some upcoming cricket matches between the two neighbours.
According to government sources, Bhutto's comments have made it "almost impossible" for the Pakistan men's cricket team to be granted visas for its travel to India for the ODI World Cup in 2023. Similarly, the chances of the Indian men's cricket team's travel to Pakistan for next year's Asia Cup are also "as good as over".
The development comes on the back of the Indian government's refusal to grant visas to Pakistan's cricket team for the Blind T20 World Cup. The title-winning Indian team was felicitated by Union Sports minister Anurag Thakur here on Monday.
"The final call has to be taken by the government. After Bhutto's comments, how could you expect our team to travel to Pakistan, or their team to come to India for the World Cup?" said sources.
Clearances are required from three ministries for the issuance of visas to a visiting foreign team, or for the Indian team's travel abroad – the sports ministry and ministries of external (MEA) and home (MHA) affairs.
