The Indian blind cricket team has pulled out of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, which was scheduled to be held in Pakistan, after its Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) refused permission to cross the border, Indian media reported on Tuesday.
Shailendra Yadav, Secretary General of the Indian Blind Cricket Association (IBCA), confirmed the development to an Indian media outlet, saying that the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan for the global event, which will be held from November 23 to December 3. . .
Speaking to the media, Yadav shared that the blind cricket team received a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Sports Ministry but was awaiting the government’s approval.
However, according to the latest development, the ACE has refused to grant permission to the blind team to participate in the upcoming World Cup.
“We have been waiting for the last 25 days to get permission from the government to go to Pakistan. Now we can’t wait any longer as the tournament is about to start,” said Yadav.
“When I spoke to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on phone, then they told us that we will not get any permission to go to Pakistan and we can cancel your tournament.
“We were also told that we will also receive an official rejection letter. However, we have not received an official letter yet but based on our conversation with the MEA we have decided not to go to Pakistan and will not participate in the T20 Blind World Cup.”
He expressed his disappointment at the decision, but confirmed that the cricket association will comply with the CAA’s directives.
“Along with us, England, Australia and New Zealand are also not coming. Hence, India will become the fourth team not to take part in this tournament,” he claimed.
Despite India’s denial, the 2024 Blind T20 World Cup will go ahead as scheduled.
“All other teams are coming to Pakistan for the World Cup. If one team doesn’t turn up, it won’t affect our preparations,” Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) president Syed Sultan Shah had said.
The development came amid reports suggesting that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has formally informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it will not send its men’s national team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, citing its directives federal government.
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