'SAD must explain invite to Pakistan team'

CHANDIGARH: A major controversy erupted in Punjab after the Congress on Tuesday came down heavily on the Shiromani Akali Dal government over its invite to Pakistani players for the November 3-17 World Kabaddi tournament.
The International Kabbadi Federation, which is hosting a Kabaddi World Cup in Ahmedabad as well beginning October 7, has already barred Pakistan from participation following the Uri terror attack.
Objecting to Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal's statement on Pakistan asking India to refrain from hawkish moves, the Congress expressed shock that the state government had not cancelled the invite to Pakistan. "Punjab CM is only shedding crocodile tears over Uri attack in which 18 of our soldiers have been killed. Had Parkash Singh Badal been upset about the killings of Indian army men by Pakistanis, the SAD-BJP govt would have refrained from inviting Pakistanis to celebrate kabaddi events," said Congress spokesperson Nimisha Mehta. The SAD, however, insists that the invite to Pakistan was sent in July and the decision would be taken by the Centre.
"In case of Pakistan, the invitations are sent out much earlier than other countries due to security concerns, scrutiny and visa permits. Since the invite has been sent, the Centre will decide now," said Sikander Maluka, Punjab Kabbadi Association chief and a state minister.