The Indian blind cricket team has officially pulled out of the Blind T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to take place in Pakistan from November 23 to December 3, after the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) denied permission for the team to cross the border, Indian media reported on Tuesday.
Shailendra Yadav, General Secretary of the Indian Blind Cricket Association (IBCA), confirmed the withdrawal, explaining that although the team had received a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Sports Ministry, they were still awaiting final approval from the government. However, Yadav said that the MEA’s decision had put an end to any possibility of participation.
“We had been waiting for 25 days for government approval. But with the tournament about to start, we can’t wait any longer,” Yadav explained. “When I contacted the MEA, they informed us that no permission would be granted for our team to travel to Pakistan and advised us to cancel our participation.”
While the official letter of denial has not yet been received, Yadav confirmed that, based on the conversation with the MEA, the team would not be participating in the event.
He expressed disappointment over the decision but emphasized that the association would comply with the MEA’s directives. Yadav also noted that India would join England, Australia, and New Zealand in withdrawing from the tournament.
Despite India’s absence, the Blind T20 World Cup will proceed as planned, with all other teams confirming their participation. “If one team doesn’t show up, it won’t affect our preparations,” said Syed Sultan Shah, Chairman of the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC).
This development comes on the heels of reports that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has formally informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it will not send the national men’s cricket team to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, citing government directives.
