India’s Blind Cricket Team has withdrawn from the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) denied permission to travel to Pakistan. Although the Sports Ministry had approved the trip, the final clearance was delayed, and the team had waited for over a month. However, with the tournament about to start, the MEA’s verbal denial led to the Indian Blind Cricket Association (IBCA) officially announcing their withdrawal.
Shailendra Yadav, General Secretary of IBCA, confirmed the decision after speaking with the MEA. “We were waiting for the last 25 days to get permission to go to Pakistan, but now with the tournament about to begin, we can’t wait any longer. The MEA informed us that we won’t be getting the permission, and based on this conversation, we’ve decided to cancel our participation in the Blind T20 World Cup,” Yadav shared with India Today.
India is not the only team missing out, as England, Australia, and New Zealand have also opted out, making India the fourth team to withdraw. This is a significant blow for the players who had been training diligently, as well as for fans who were eager to see India face Pakistan, which would have been a thrilling match-up. Pakistan, who had even issued visas for the Indian team, now faces an easy walkover.
India’s absence is especially disappointing since they are the defending champions, having won every Blind T20 World Cup since its inception in 2012. Last year, they dominated the final against Bangladesh with a massive 277/2, securing a 120-run victory.
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