The cricket Association for the Blind of India (CABI) announced on Wednesday that it will withdraw the team from the fourth edition of the T20 Blind cricket World Cup, scheduled to be held in Pakistan, after failing to secure clearance from the Indian government for the team. to travel to Pakistan.
The tournament will begin on November 22 and will last until December 3.
“While this is a significant setback for the team, CABI fully respects the government’s concerns and decision in this regard,” the board said in a statement. “The team had been training rigorously and were eager to compete. However, we prioritize government guidance and remain steadfast in our commitment to the continued development of Blind cricket in India.”
“We played with passion and represented our country with immense pride. We have always wanted to compete on the biggest stage and it is disheartening to miss this opportunity,” Durga Rao Tompaki, captain of the Indian men’s cricket team. equipment for the blind, he said. “However, we know that the next World Cup is just around the corner and we remain committed to our training and preparation.
“We have had a successful training camp and have seen emerging talents who we believe can take our team to greater heights. It is time to nurture these talents and ensure our team is ready when the next tournament arrives.”
The development comes 100 days before the start of the Champions Trophy 2025, which will also be held in Pakistan. On November 9, the BCCI informed the ICC that India will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament, a decision again taken on the advice of the Indian government.
The ICC was originally expected to release the Champions Trophy schedule today.
India hosted and won the first three T20 Blind cricket World Cups, beating Pakistan in the finals of the first two editions and Bangladesh in their most recent triumph.