The Indian government has denied clearance to the national blind cricket team to participate in the upcoming T20 World Cup in Pakistan, scheduled to take place from November 23 to December 3. 

Despite the Sports Ministry issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the team’s travel, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reportedly withheld permission, citing security concerns. This decision has raised questions, especially considering that the Indian blind cricket team last visited Pakistan for a bilateral series in 2014.

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India has dominated the Blind T20 World Cup in recent years, winning all three editions held so far, in 2012, 2017, and 2022. The team’s exclusion from this year’s tournament in Pakistan adds to ongoing tensions surrounding India’s involvement in international cricket events in Pakistan.

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The move comes amid growing controversy over the Indian men's cricket team's stance on the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, set to be held in Pakistan next year. India has made it clear that it will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament, citing security concerns. This decision has led to intense discussions both within the cricketing world and in diplomatic circles.

Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly engaged in back-channel talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), urging them to consider a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy. The hybrid model would involve some matches being held in Pakistan and others in a neutral venue, with sources suggesting the UAE as a likely host for India’s games. 

ICC Pushes for Hybrid Model

Sources indicate that ICC officials are working behind the scenes to persuade the PCB on the need for a compromise. The main argument is that an ICC tournament cannot go ahead without the participation of the Indian cricket team, which has one of the largest followings in the sport. To this end, the ICC is also attempting to discourage PCB officials from making any public statements that could further inflame tensions with India.

Discussions regarding the schedule for next year’s Champions Trophy are reportedly underway, with a final announcement expected in the coming days. It has already been confirmed that India, the 2017 finalists, will not play their matches in Pakistan, with their games likely to take place in the UAE.

As the situation develops, the future of India’s participation in major international tournaments in Pakistan remains uncertain, and the cricket world watches closely to see how these diplomatic and security challenges unfold. (With inputs from Agencies)