The Indian blind cricket team is still waiting for clearances from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs to participate in the upcoming Blind T20 World Cup 2024 in Pakistan.
On 11 November Media obtained a copy of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) that the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) and the Indian blind cricket team received.
In response Syed Sultan Shah, chairman of the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC), expressed strong feelings about India’s delay. Shah noted that visas for the Indian team have already been issued, emphasizing that their presence is not essential to the tournament’s success.
“All other teams are coming to Pakistan for the World Cup. If one team doesn’t show up, it won’t affect our preparations,” Shah told Geo News.
Earlier, CABI General Secretary Shailender Yadav voiced his frustration, urging for a clear decision instead of further delays.
“It’s been 15 days now we are waiting for clearance, and we just need a yes or no from the government. Last time we visited Pakistan was in 2014 for a bilateral series. In 2018, the government denied clearance, and in 2023, the Pakistan team skipped the tournament held in India,” Yadav shared.
The Indian team, currently the defending champions of the Blind T20 World Cup, awaits its chance to defend the title in the 2024 edition, which will run from November 23 to December 23.
In addition to India and Pakistan, other competing teams include Bangladesh, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, the BCCI has already informed that Team India will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. The ICC has relayed this decision to the PCB, and a hybrid model is expected to be considered. If Pakistan doesn’t accept a hybrid model the tournament could be entirely moved to South Africa.
