Blind cricketers to drop England tour after delay in visas

LAHORE - The England tour by blind cricketers of Pakistan is in danger of being called off as British High Commission here failed to stamp visas in time for the team. "We deposited passports with the British High Commission here on July 8 but we are still waiting for the return of the same", said the Chairman of Pakistan Blind Cricket Council, Syed Sultan Shah. He said that England and Wales Blind Cricket Council and England Cricket Board both had sent fax messages to British High Commission here, recommending visas for the 21-member national blind cricket team of Pakistan. "Despite the passage of a month, the passports are still awaited", said a dejected Sultan Shah. "We are scheduled to play our first match on August 11 (Tuesday)". He said the team could make it to England if the passports with visas are returned on Monday. "Otherwise, we will have no option but to cancel the tour", he said. The tour included three One-Days (August 11, 13 and 15) and one Twenty20 match (Aug 16) against England blind cricketers all at or near the city of Birmingham. "If the passports come from UAE, where the BHC visa office is located, on Monday and delivered to us the same day, then we will get at least our playing XI on board the plane", Sultan said. "Otherwise, even if the passports are with us on Tuesday then it will be of no use as seats with airlines will be difficult to get", he said. He said PBCC had spent a good deal of money on preparing the team during a 10-day camp but it would be wasted. Similarly, England and Wales Blind Cricket Council would also incur a loss. Pakistan had been World Champions of blind cricketers.

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