The Indian males’s basketball group is at the moment stationed in Doha, Qatar, awaiting its return to India after its FIBA World Cup 2027 qualifier towards Lebanon, scheduled for Monday, was postponed following rising tensions in West Asia.
The area has been on alert after Israel and america launched assaults on Iran, prompting retaliation that focused the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
After struggling a Group D loss to Qatar in Doha on Friday, India was set to journey the next day to face Lebanon on the Nouhad Nawfal Sports activities Complicated in Zouk Mikael.
Nonetheless, within the wake of the assaults, the Worldwide Basketball Federation (FIBA) on Saturday introduced that 4 matches, together with India’s fixture, had been postponed to the following qualification window in June. The event has left the group stranded in Doha, with flight operations at the moment restricted.
Indian ahead Pranav Prince described the scenario as unexpected however assured that the squad stays secure.
“Earlier than the assault, we had been able to journey (on Saturday), however as soon as it occurred, we had been ready for FIBA’s announcement. We’re in secure fingers. The Basketball Federation of India is working with the Sports activities Ministry and exploring each potential means to make sure we’re secure and get us again to India as quickly as potential. As soon as the flights begin working, we can be out of right here,” he informed Sportstar.
“We had been trying ahead to the match towards Lebanon, and this was completely surprising,” he added.
In the meantime, the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) issued a press release on Sunday, confirming that it’s coordinating with the Ministry of Exterior Affairs, Ministry of Dwelling Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports activities, and the Embassy of India in Doha to make sure the contingent’s secure return.
“The protection and welfare of the Indian contingent stay the best precedence for the Basketball Federation of India. We’re intently monitoring the scenario and stay in common communication with the group administration, related authorities, and worldwide basketball our bodies. Additional updates can be shared because the scenario develops,” the assertion learn.
India is at the moment winless in three matches within the qualification event and sits on the backside of its group with three factors. Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Lebanon are forward, every with 5 factors.
Revealed on Mar 01, 2026