Indian Blind Cricket Team Awaits Final Government Clearance for T20 Blind World Cup in Pakistan Amid Uncertainty

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The Indian blind cricket team is currently awaiting final clearances from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to participate in the upcoming T20 World Cup for the Blind, hosted by Pakistan for the first time.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from November 23 to December 3, with matches slated in Lahore and Multan. The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) has secured a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

This permits the team to participate on the condition that it does not require financial support from the government. However, CABI must now obtain final approvals from the MEA and MHA. The organization has been waiting over two weeks for a definitive response.

CABI General Secretary Shailender Yadav expressed his frustration, saying, "It's been 15 days now that we are waiting for clearance, and we just need a yes or no from the government." Reflecting on past events, Yadav added, "Last time we visited Pakistan was in 2014 for a bilateral series. In 2018, the government denied clearance, and in 2023, Pakistan opted not to participate when the tournament was held in India."

The Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC), responsible for hosting the tournament, has already issued visas for the Indian team. However, PBCC Chairman Syed Sultan Shah emphasized that the tournament will proceed as planned with or without India.

"All other teams are coming to Pakistan for the World Cup. If one team doesn't show up, it won't affect our preparations," Shah stated. India's absence would be notable as they are the reigning champions.

They won the previous three editions in 2012, 2017, and 2022. In the 2022 final, held in Bengaluru, India claimed victory over Bangladesh by 120 runs. This year's tournament will see teams from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, South Africa, Nepal, and Afghanistan vying for the title.

The Indian squad, selected after extensive trials, includes seasoned players such as Ajay Kumar Reddy Illuri and Sunil Ramesh. Divided into B1 (totally blind), B2 (partially blind), and B3 (partially sighted) categories, the team has set its sights on defending its title, pending a final government nod.