The Cuban baseball and softball federation (FCBS) confirmed Monday that it is impossible to guarantee the presence of a team of the island in the Antillana Cup of Puerto Rico.
The reason for the absence, according to the entity, “is related to the demands in force for Cuba in terms of visa processing” for the United States.
According to FCBS in a releasethe visa application process must be carried out in advance “to which we were impossible to adjust from the time we had after the official ratification of the call of the event.”
In turn, he transmitted to the organizers of the Antillana Cup, scheduled between February 21 and 23 in the Puerto Rican town of Aguadilla, the “appreciation for their sincere interest in having Cuba” and I wish them “successes in this and his future editions ”.
The FCBS reports that Cuba will not attend the Antillana Baseball Cup convened from February 21 to 23 in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
The reasons are exposed in the communication sent to the organizers.#Cuba #Beisbolcubano #Baseballhttps://t.co/1xzcdnkag0 pic.twitter.com/cmghroa4xs– Cuban baseball and softball federation (@cubanabeisbol) January 27, 2025
The contest, initially agreed with the participation of casts from Cuba, the Dominican Republic and the Headquarters country, would serve to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the foundation of the town of Aguadilla, known as the “Atlantic Garden”.
As it transpired, the local team would be made up of outstanding players of the Roberto Clemente Professional League and the Superior League of Double Baseball A, under the direction of the former Magnigas Carlos Delgado.
In response to the status of associated free state that governs in Puerto Rico, Cubans need a visa issued by the United States to travel to the so -called Endered Island.
The procedure should be completed in the northern nation embassy in Havana, which maintains limited functioning for some of its consular functions, and others need more time than usual for prosecutions.
World Classic 2026: Cuba will play in Puerto Rico … and in Miami if you advance to the semifinal
A similar situation could find the FCBS next year, as the island team must start in Puerto Rico its walk through the World Baseball Classic (WBC) of 2026.
Last August the Major Leagues (MLB) announced the dates of the tournament and the composition of the groups. Cuba was located in the a next to Panama, Canada, the host team and one of those who will leave the qualifying tournaments to celebrate.
