Indian Basketball Team's Lebanon Match Postponed Amid Regional Tensions

Postponement of Lebanon Match Due to Security Concerns

The Indian men's basketball team found itself stranded in Doha as their FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifier against Lebanon was postponed due to rising military tensions in West Asia.

After suffering a defeat against Qatar in Doha on Friday, the team was set to travel to Lebanon the following day for a match at the Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex in Zouk Mikael.

However, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) announced on Saturday that four qualifying matches in Groups C and D, including the Lebanon vs India game, would be rescheduled for the next qualification window in late June.

This decision followed military airstrikes by the United States and Israel on major Iranian cities, including Tehran, which raised security alarms throughout the region. FIBA emphasized that the safety of players, officials, and staff was their top priority, leading to the postponement.

Consequently, the Indian team has been unable to leave Doha due to restricted flight operations.

Indian forward Pranav Prince remarked that the situation was unforeseen but reassured that the team is safe and receiving support. In an interview with Sportstar, he mentioned that the squad was ready to travel before the situation escalated, and they were subsequently advised to await further instructions. He also noted that the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) and the Sports Ministry are actively seeking options to ensure the team's safe return to India once flights resume.

Prince expressed disappointment over missing the Lebanon match, especially after the team's preparations.

FIBA, in a statement from Mies, Switzerland, confirmed that all Group C and Group D matches scheduled for Monday, March 2, will take place at the same venues during the third qualification window in late June. The postponed fixtures include Iran vs Syria, Iraq vs Jordan, Lebanon vs India, and Qatar vs Saudi Arabia.

The BFI announced on Sunday that it is working closely with the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Indian Embassy in Doha to ensure the safe return of the contingent. The federation reiterated that player safety is its utmost concern.

Currently, India sits at the bottom of Group D with three points from three matches, while Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Lebanon are all tied with five points each.