Indian Blind Cricket Team Denied Permission to Travel to Pakistan for T20 World Cup, Says Government

Due to security concerns, the Indian blind cricket team will not be participating in the T20 World Cup in Pakistan. The national federation announced on Tuesday that the government has denied permission for the team to travel to Pakistan. Originally scheduled to cross the Wagah border on Wednesday, the event is set to take place from November 23 to December 3.

The Indian blind cricket team had got a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the sports ministry for participation but apparently couldn't get clearance from the MEA.

"We have been told unofficially that the blind team will not be permitted to travel to Pakistan. We were scheduled to travel to Wagah border tomorrow. But as of now no clearance has come from the ministry officials. So, we are a bit disappointed," Shailendra Yadav, General Secretary of the Indian Blind Cricket Association (IBCA), told PTI.

"They are saying when the mainstream cricket team is not safe how can you be safe there. Of course, we will accept the decision, but why hold the decision till the last minute, why not inform us a month or 25 days back. There is a process," Yadab added.