In what appears to be a callous oversight by the Indian foreign ministry officials, Pakistan’s T20 team for the Champions trophy had a nightmarish experience when they were forced out of a Chandigarh hotel on Sunday. The team, Faisalabad Wolves, led by Misbah-ul-Haq, was asked to leave the hotel because its members were issued visas that allowed them to stay only in Mohali, where the match venue is located, and not in adjoining Chandigarh. The team spent the night at the club house of Mohali stadium. The Indian cricket board officials spoke to the foreign ministry, urging the latter to find an early solution to the issue. Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) joint secretary GS Walia said: “The BCCI is already in talks with the ministry of external affairs and the home ministry and I am hopeful that the issue will be resolved at the earliest. Until then the team will be accommodated in the clubhouse. If the issue is not resolved by today evening, I think it will be sorted out on Monday for sure.” Chandigarh and Mohali are adjoining cities but they come under different jurisdictions, leading to this confusion. While Chandigarh has kept pace with the changing times and boasts of at least three five-star hotels, Mohali has no such facilities. In the past also, whenever Mohali hosted an ODI or any match of an international repute, the visiting team has been granted a visa for both the cities. Faisalabad Wolves, who might have been looking to settle down, acclimatize with the conditions and prepare for the matches ahead, were left with nothing else to do but wait. “I can’t say much on this; it’s out of our hands. But, I hope things will be sorted out,” said Wolves coach Naveed Anjum.
Pak’s T20 champs forced out of Chandigarh hotel over visa
