Teams arrive for Blind Cricket World Cup as India refuses to travel

LAHORE: The South African team reached Lahore on Wednesday ahead of the 2024 Blind T20 Cricket World Cup, which is set to kick off on Saturday, November 23.

The team was welcomed by officials of the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC). The Afghanistan team had also arrived yesterday. The President of the World Blind Cricket Ltd, Syed Sultan Shah, had previously stated that all participating teams would arrive by November 21.

INDIA’S REFUSAL TO TRAVEL

Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) denied the Indian team permission to travel to Lahore for the upcoming tournament. The decision was the latest in a series of refusals to allow Indian teams to travel to Pakistan for tournaments and contests, including next years Champions Trophy, upcoming Kabaddi matches, and now the Blind T20 Cricket World Cup.

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The General Secretary of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) confirmed their withdrawal from the tournament, as he explained that despite not receiving an official letter yet, the MEA had informed him on a phone call that they would not be granted permission to travel to Pakistan.

India now join Australia, England, and New Zealand, who are also not competing in the upcoming tournament.

Yadav expressed his regret over the news, stating “it’s a bit sad for cricket in general as cricket is a game for everyone. The match between India and Pakistan is watched intently by fans and both are really good sides. Now Pakistan will get a free walkover and it’s also tragic for the players who’ve been working hard for a long time.

The tournament is set to begin on November 23, with a match between Pakistan and South Africa at the Ghani Institute of Cricket Ground. The finals will take place in Multan on December 3.

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