India’s Blind Cricket team is still awaiting final approval from the Indian government to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Blind T20 World Cup, despite having received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Sports.
While the team has been granted the necessary sports clearance, the Ministries of Interior and External Affairs have yet to give their green light, leaving the team in a state of uncertainty.
Shailendra Yadav, Secretary of the Indian Blind Cricket Association, confirmed that the team has been waiting for government clearance for over two weeks. He urged the authorities to provide a definitive decision on the matter.
“We are hoping for a clear answer, either in favor or against the trip,” Yadav said, stressing the need for a swift resolution.
Yadav also highlighted the absence of Pakistan’s participation in the 2023 Blind Cricket World Cup held in India, which further underscores the challenges of organizing cross-border cricket events between the two nations.
India’s blind cricket team last visited Pakistan in 2014 for a bilateral series, but the government denied permission for the team to travel in 2018, citing security concerns.
The Blind T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from November 23 to December 3, with India’s participation still in limbo.
This uncertainty follows India’s decision not to take part in the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, slated for February-March 2025, due to similar clearance issues.
As the start of the tournament draws near, the Indian Blind Cricket team is anxiously awaiting a final response that could determine their involvement in the prestigious event.
