India Denies Visa to Nepal’s Coach Masood Jan 2025 – Pakistan Reacts
India has denied a visa to Masood Jan, a former Pakistani blind cricketer and current head coach of Nepal’s Blind Women’s Cricket Team, just days before the Blind Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
The refusal has sparked criticism from sporting bodies across the region, raising concerns about the growing intersection of politics and sports diplomacy between India and Pakistan.
The incident has not only impacted Nepal’s preparations for the upcoming tournament but also reignited debates about sportsmanship, inclusion, and cross-border relations in South Asia.
Read Also: Breaking Update: PMDC MBBS BDS Passing Marks 2025 Set at 50% – Attendance Rule Also Revised
Background: Why India Denied Visa to Nepal’s Coach
According to the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC), Masood Jan was scheduled to travel to India to lead the Nepal Blind Women’s Cricket Team during the 2025 World Cup.
However, despite being officially appointed by Nepal’s cricket board, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs refused to grant him a visa because of his Pakistani nationality.
The Blind Women’s Cricket World Cup is being hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka in a hybrid format due to ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan.
Pakistan’s team will play all its matches in Sri Lanka, while other participating teams — including Nepal, Bangladesh, and India — are scheduled to play their group matches in India.
Since Masood Jan’s team (Nepal) was required to compete in India, his visa approval was crucial for team coordination. But India’s refusal means Nepal must now proceed without its appointed head coach, just a week before the tournament begins.
Who Is Masood Jan? – A Legend in Blind Cricket
Masood Jan is no ordinary coach — he is a living legend in blind cricket and one of Pakistan’s most celebrated players.
He represented Pakistan in multiple Blind Cricket World Cups and was awarded the prestigious Pride of Performance Award by the Government of Pakistan for his contribution to the sport.
Known for his leadership, strategic coaching, and motivational skills, Masood Jan was selected by the Nepal Blind Cricket Association to guide their national women’s blind team for the 2025 World Cup.
His presence was expected to bring technical expertise and international experience to the Nepali side, which is making its first major appearance on the global stage.
PBCC’s Reaction: “Sports Should Unite, Not Divide”
The Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) expressed strong disappointment over the Indian government’s decision.
In a statement, PBCC officials said the move was “unfortunate and deeply political,” emphasizing that sports should be a platform for unity, inclusion, and humanity — not division.
“Masood Jan’s visa rejection is not just a political act but a blow to the spirit of sportsmanship. He was representing Nepal, not Pakistan. Denying him entry sends the wrong message to the international community,” the statement read.
The PBCC urged the World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take notice of the incident and ensure that sports events remain free from political interference.
Impact on Nepal’s Blind Women’s Team
The decision has left Nepal’s Blind Women’s Cricket Team in a difficult situation, forcing them to rearrange their coaching and training schedules at the last minute.
According to reports from the Nepal Cricket Association, the team had trained under Masood Jan for several weeks and relied heavily on his guidance in batting, fielding, and team strategy.
Without their coach, Nepal now faces logistical and performance challenges in a tournament already dominated by strong teams like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Team sources described the mood in the camp as “disappointed but determined.”
“Coach Masood inspired us not just as a mentor but as a symbol of resilience. His absence will be felt deeply,” said one of the team members.
India-Pakistan Sports Diplomacy Under Strain
This is not the first time India and Pakistan’s political differences have affected sporting events.
- In recent years, several Pakistani athletes and journalists have faced visa issues for events held in India.
- Indian teams, likewise, have been reluctant to travel to Pakistan for bilateral series despite neutral venue offers.
- The Asia Cup 2023 also had to adopt a hybrid model, with matches split between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, due to India’s refusal to tour Pakistan.
This latest episode further exposes the fragile state of sports diplomacy between the two nations, where even neutral parties — such as Nepal — end up affected by political friction.
Read Also: Punjab Govt Announces PAFDA Jobs 2025 – Apply Online for CFO & GM Posts
Masood Jan’s Legacy in Pakistan Blind Cricket
Masood Jan’s career achievements continue to inspire thousands of visually impaired athletes.
- He was one of the earliest blind cricketers to represent Pakistan internationally.
- He holds records for centuries in blind cricket tournaments.
- He played a vital role in helping Pakistan win the 1998 Blind Cricket World Cup.
After retirement, he shifted his focus to coaching and development programs for blind cricket academies, mentoring young players in Pakistan and abroad.
His appointment as Nepal’s coach was seen as recognition of his global credibility in the sport.
Sports Community Reacts Worldwide
The decision by India has drawn criticism from international blind cricket associations, sports journalists, and fans.
Many on social media have labeled it an act of “political exclusion”, arguing that disability sports should remain free from political disputes.
Several Indian users also condemned the move, suggesting that sports for the visually impaired deserve better treatment.
“This is a setback for humanity, not just cricket,” wrote one commentator on X (formerly Twitter).
The incident has become symbolic of how regional politics continue to overshadow sportsmanship in South Asia.
Tournament Format and Schedule
The Blind Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 begins on November 11, with matches divided between India and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan’s matches will take place in Colombo, while the rest of the teams — including India, Nepal, and Bangladesh — will compete in Delhi, Lucknow, and Chennai.
The tournament features eight teams and aims to promote inclusion, awareness, and empowerment of visually impaired athletes globally.
Organizers have yet to issue an official statement on the visa controversy, but sources confirm they are working with Nepal to ensure the team’s continued participation.
Pakistan’s Official Stance
Pakistan’s sports authorities have expressed concern that this incident reflects a pattern of discrimination faced by Pakistani citizens in international events hosted by India.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad is expected to raise the issue diplomatically, emphasizing that sports should transcend political divisions.
“This incident goes against the principles of fair play and mutual respect that international sports are built upon,” said an official source familiar with the matter.
Sports and Politics – A Recurring Dilemma
Experts say the case highlights how sports are increasingly used as tools of political signaling in South Asia.
While governments claim to support international cooperation, visa policies, media restrictions, and diplomatic tensions often create barriers for athletes and coaches.
The World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) has been urged to consider neutral hosting arrangements in future tournaments to avoid such politically sensitive situations.
Read Also: Voter ID Registration 2025 – Step-by-Step Online Process in Pakistan
The Human Side of the Story
For Masood Jan, this episode represents more than just a professional setback.
He had expressed great enthusiasm for coaching Nepal’s team, describing it as a “dream opportunity to help emerging players make history.”
Now, his dreams — and those of his players — stand disrupted by bureaucracy and politics.
“I was representing sports, not politics. It is disheartening,” Masood Jan said in a message shared through PBCC.
Conclusion About India Denies Visa to Nepal’s Coach Masood Jan 2025:
The India visa denial for Masood Jan 2025 underscores how political sensitivities continue to impact even the most humanitarian forms of sport.
While the Blind Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 will go ahead as planned, the absence of one of blind cricket’s most respected figures will cast a shadow over the event.
The world watches as cricket — a sport meant to unite nations — once again becomes a victim of diplomatic divides.
For athletes with disabilities, who have overcome physical barriers to compete internationally, this decision feels especially unjust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did India deny a visa to Masood Jan in 2025?
India’s Ministry of Home Affairs refused to issue a visa to Masood Jan, the Pakistani head coach of Nepal’s Blind Women’s Cricket Team, due to his Pakistani nationality. The decision came just days before the Blind Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, triggering widespread criticism from sports bodies and fans.
2. Who is Masood Jan and why is he famous?
Masood Jan is a legendary Pakistani blind cricketer who represented Pakistan in multiple international tournaments. He holds records for centuries in blind cricket, helped Pakistan win the 1998 Blind Cricket World Cup, and received the Pride of Performance Award from the Government of Pakistan.
3. How has India’s visa denial affected Nepal’s Blind Women’s Cricket Team?
The denial has disrupted Nepal’s team preparations, as Masood Jan was their official head coach. Players had trained under him for weeks, and his absence just before the World Cup has forced the team to revise strategies and adjust without his guidance.
4. What has been the reaction of Pakistan and international sports bodies?
The Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) strongly condemned the decision, calling it “unfortunate and political.” Several international sports organizations and fans also criticized the move, stating that sports should remain separate from politics, especially in disability and humanitarian competitions.
5. What does this incident mean for sports diplomacy between India and Pakistan?
The visa refusal reflects the growing strain in India-Pakistan sports relations. Similar issues have affected previous tournaments like the Asia Cup 2023, which was held in a hybrid format. Experts believe such decisions undermine sportsmanship and call for neutral venues in future events to avoid political interference.
