New Delhi [India], November 12 (ANI): The Ministry of External Affairs has bashed away the reports denying visas to Pakistan players for the ongoing Asian Youth Scrabble Championship being held in the national capital, according to sources.

The Asia Cup Youth Scrabble Championships 2024 is being held in New Delhi from November 10 to 12. Sources revealed that the Ministry of External Affairs has termed the reports "factually incorrect."

Also Read | Former Manchester United Assistant Manager Kieran Mckenna Was Tentative About Cristiano Ronaldo’s Return to Old Trafford, Reveals Ex Red-Devils Boss Ole Gunner Solskjaer.

Sources also stated that 12 visas were issued to the Pakistani team on November 7. This included the defending champion of the Asia Cup and the reigning World Youth Champion.

"The Ministry of External Affairs has seen media reports on the denial of visas to Pakistani players for the ongoing Scrabble tournament in India. These reports are factually incorrect. 12 visas were issued to the Pakistani team on November 7, 2024, well in time for them to travel to India for these events. This included the defending champion of the Asia Cup and the reigning World Youth Champion," Sources stated.

Also Read | Cristiano Ronaldo Reflects On His Target Of Scoring 1000 Career Goals After Winning Platinum Quinas ‘Outstanding Ambassador of Portugal’ Award at Quinas de Ouro Gala 2024.

Earlier reports claimed that the Indian High Commission had reportedly denied issuing visas to the majority of Pakistan scrabble players.

This comes amid India's refusal to go to Pakistan to play in the ICC Champions Trophy next year. India has firmly held the stance of not travelling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy, citing 'security concerns'.

Previously, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla also stated that India would travel to Pakistan only if the Government of India permitted it.

BCCI has floated the idea of holding the ICC Champions Trophy in a hybrid model. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, fended off the idea by claiming that there have been no talks about hosting the tournament in a hybrid model. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)