New Delhi, November 19, 2024-The Indian blind cricket team has officially withdrawn from the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 in Pakistan after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) denied permission, according to Indian media reports.
Shailendra Yadav, General Secretary of the Indian Blind Cricket Association (IBCA), confirmed the decision on Tuesday. The tournament is scheduled to take place from November 23 to December 3.
Speaking to the media, Yadav disclosed that while the team had secured a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Sports Ministry, final approval from the government was pending.
“We had been waiting for the last 25 days to receive permission to travel to Pakistan. However, the MEA has informed us verbally that permission will not be granted, and we were advised to cancel our participation,” Yadav said. He added that although the association has not yet received an official letter of denial, they have decided to withdraw based on the MEA’s verbal communication.
Expressing his disappointment, Yadav reiterated that the IBCA would adhere to the government’s directives. He also claimed that other teams, including England, Australia, and New Zealand, would not participate in the tournament, making India the fourth team to pull out.
Despite India’s withdrawal, the Blind T20 World Cup 2024 will proceed as scheduled. Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) Chairman Syed Sultan Shah emphasized that the absence of one team would not disrupt preparations. “All other teams are coming to Pakistan for the World Cup,” Shah stated confidently.
