Blind T20 World Cup / Team India's trip to Pakistan was also cancelled, Pak board said - it doesn't matter to us

After the Champions Trophy 2025, now the Indian Blind Cricket Team has also refused to participate in the T20 World Cup in Pakistan. The government did not give permission due to security concerns. The tournament is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from November 23 to December 3, but India's absence has raised questions over the event.

Vikrant Shekhawat : Nov 20, 2024, 08:45 AM
Blind T20 World Cup: Tensions between India and Pakistan have deepened again over the Champions Trophy 2025 and T20 Blind World Cup 2023. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has refused to go to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 due to security concerns and lack of approval from the Government of India. Due to this decision, the organization of this prestigious tournament is in trouble.

Meanwhile, a big news has also come out regarding the Indian Blind Cricket Team. The team was to participate in the T20 Blind World Cup held in Pakistan from 23 November to 3 December, but the Government of India did not allow it due to security reasons. This decision is disappointing not only for the players but also for the organizers.

Refusal due to security concerns

Indian Blind Cricket Association (IBCA) General Secretary Shailendra Yadav said that the team had received the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Sports Ministry, but could not get approval from the Ministry of External Affairs. Yadav said, "We have been informally told that the blind cricket team will not be allowed to go to Pakistan." He also questioned why the decision was delayed till the last minute when it could have been made clear earlier.

He also said, "If the mainstream cricket team is not allowed to visit Pakistan for security reasons, how can the blind cricket team be safe?"

Pakistan's stance and impact on the tournament

The Pakistan Blind Cricket Council has said that the tournament will take place as scheduled despite India's non-participation. However, the non-participation of the Indian team may affect the competitiveness of the competition.

This controversy has come at a time when there has been a long-standing tension in cricket relations between the two countries. The BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are already at loggerheads over the Champions Trophy 2025. The PCB has made it clear that if India refuses to come to Pakistan, they will not allow their tournament to be postponed internationally.

Disappointment of players and fans

The players of the Indian blind cricket team are disappointed with this decision. The IBCA says that the players had worked hard to prepare for the tournament. Now this last minute decision has shocked them mentally and physically. "If we were informed earlier, we could have saved time and resources in the selection and preparation process," Yadav said.

Future direction

This incident has once again highlighted the complexity of cricketing relations between India and Pakistan. While security concerns are being given priority on one hand, frustration among players and fans is growing on the other.

In future, the cricket boards and governments of both countries will have to work together for more effective communication and planning to resolve such disputes, so that the spirit of the game can be maintained.