The World Snooker Championship scheduled to be held in India this November has fallen into uncertainty due to visa-related issues.
The International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) has warned that if visas are not issued to Pakistani players, the hosting rights could be withdrawn from India.
President of the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association, Abdul Qadir, stated in an interview that the tournament could be shifted to another country if Pakistani cueists are denied entry permits. He recalled that in 2024, similar visa complications prevented Pakistani players from participating in a major international event.
The World Snooker Championship is regarded as one of the sport’s most prestigious competitions, attracting top players from across Asia and other regions.
Recently, Pakistan’s Muhammad Asif and Irfan brought laurels to the country by reaching the pre-quarterfinals of the Asian Snooker Championship.
Abdul Qadir said that once visas are granted, a final decision regarding participation would be taken in line with directives from the Government of Pakistan.
If the issue remains unresolved, observers believe it could not only dent India’s sporting credibility but also reignite debate over the intersection of politics and international sport.
