Sri Lanka’s under-21 netball team has been forced to withdraw from the 2025 Youth Netball World Cup in Gibraltar after failing to secure visas on time, dealing a crushing blow to players, coaches, and fans.
The World Netball Association confirmed that Sri Lanka, along with Zambia, has been officially pulled out of the tournament due to visa-related delays. With neither team able to arrive in Gibraltar before the start of group matches, tournament organizers applied competition rules, recording all of their scheduled fixtures as losses and awarding full points to their opponents.
Sri Lanka had been drawn into Pool C, where they were expected to face England, Jamaica, and Tonga. Under the new decision, each of these teams has been awarded two points and automatic wins. Similarly, in Group A, teams set to play Zambia will also receive points.
Media reports revealed that the Sri Lankan players were unable to obtain travel clearance from the British High Commission in time, as Gibraltar is a British territory requiring special visa arrangements. The delay meant the squad could not make the opening fixtures, ultimately leading to their elimination.
The World Netball Association expressed regret over the situation, noting the disappointment faced by athletes who had trained for years to compete on the global stage. Fans across Sri Lanka have voiced frustration, with many criticizing poor planning and coordination that cost the nation its place in the tournament.
The Youth Netball World Cup, featuring the world’s top under-21 teams, will continue in Gibraltar from September 19 to 28 without Sri Lanka. For the young athletes, what was meant to be a career-defining experience has ended before it even began.
