India has officially pulled out Blind Cricket Team of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to take place in Pakistan from November 23 to December 3.
The decision comes after the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) denied permission for the team to cross the border to participate in the global event, Indian media reported on Tuesday.
Shailendra Yadav, General Secretary of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (BCCI), confirmed the development, explaining that despite receiving a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from India’s Ministry of Sports, the team was still awaiting approval from the MEA. Unfortunately, the latest communication from the MEA confirmed that permission would not be granted, forcing the association to withdraw from the tournament.
“We had been waiting for 25 days to get the government’s approval to travel to Pakistan, but with the tournament starting soon, we can no longer wait,” Yadav said. “When I contacted the Ministry of External Affairs, they informed me that we wouldn’t be getting permission to go to Pakistan and suggested we cancel our participation. They also mentioned we would receive an official denial letter, but based on our conversation, we’ve decided to withdraw.”
Yadav expressed his disappointment with the decision, especially given the efforts the team had put into their preparations. He also mentioned that India’s withdrawal would leave the tournament with several notable absentees. “Along with us, teams from England, Australia, and New Zealand have also decided not to participate. This makes India the fourth team not taking part,” he explained.
Despite this setback, Yadav acknowledged the impact on the players who had been working hard for the competition. “It’s sad for cricket in general, as the India-Pakistan match always draws significant attention. It’s unfortunate for the players who have worked hard, and now Pakistan will get a free walkover,” he said, adding that the team was scheduled to leave for Pakistan on November 20, making it nearly impossible for any change to occur in time.
The withdrawal of India’s Blind Cricket Team will not affect the 2024 Blind T20 World Cup, as confirmed by the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC). PBCC chairman Syed Sultan Shah stated, “All other teams are coming to Pakistan for the World Cup. If one team doesn’t show up, it won’t affect our preparations.”
This decision coincides with reports that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has formally informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) of its decision not to send the national men’s team to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, citing government directives.
