Blind T20 World Cup: India cricket team awaits Government clearance to visit Pakistan

India's blind cricket team is still awaiting approval from the government to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Blind T20 World Cup, despite receiving a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Sports. While the team has been granted the necessary sports clearance, approval from the Ministries of Interior and External Affairs remains pending.

Shailendra Yadav, Secretary of the Indian Blind Cricket Association, confirmed that the team has been waiting for government clearance for the past two weeks. He urged the government to provide a definitive response, either in favor or against the trip.

Yadav pointed out that the Indian blind cricket team last visited Pakistan in 2014 for a bilateral series, but in 2018, the government denied permission for the team to travel. He also referenced the absence of Pakistan’s participation in the 2023 event held in India, emphasizing the ongoing complexities surrounding cross-border cricket events.

The Blind T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from November 23 to December 3, with India’s participation still uncertain. India has already confirmed its decision not to take part in the ICC Champions Trophy, which will be held in Pakistan in February-March next year, citing similar clearance issues.