India’s blind cricket team gets NOC for Pakistan trip. Blind T20 WC: Indian team eyes clearance from MHA, MEA; Sports Ministry clears travel to Pakistan.
The Indian government’s decision to allow the blind cricket team to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming T20 World Cup for the Blind comes amid heightened tensions surrounding international sports events between the two nations. Here’s a summary of the key points:
Key Details:
Approval from Sports Ministry: The Indian Sports Ministry has granted permission for the 17-member Indian blind cricket team to travel to Pakistan to participate in the Blind T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Lahore and Multan from November 22 to December 3, 2024.
Pending Clearances: While the Sports Ministry has approved the team’s travel, the final decision rests on the clearance from the Home Ministry and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
This is a standard procedure given the sensitive nature of cross-border relations between India and Pakistan.
No to ICC Champions Trophy: In a related development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that the Indian cricket team will not be participating in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan.
The BCCI has communicated this decision to the International Cricket Council (ICC), leaving the fate of the Champions Trophy in doubt.
Indian Blind Cricket Team’s Preparations: The Indian team is currently training in Gurugram and is awaiting the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of External Affairs to finalize their travel plans. The players are optimistic about receiving the clearance in time.
Other Participating Teams: The Blind World Cup will feature teams from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. India is the defending champion, having won the last three editions of the tournament.
The Indian team’s participation is highly anticipated, although Pakistan has reiterated that the tournament will proceed as planned, even if India ultimately decides not to participate.
Pakistan’s Stance: The Pakistan Blind Cricket Council has made it clear that the tournament will go ahead as scheduled regardless of India’s participation, and other teams have confirmed that they have no concerns about playing in Pakistan.
Blind T20 WC: Indian team eyes clearance from MHA, MEA; Sports Ministry clears travel to Pakistan
This decision to allow the blind cricket team to travel to Pakistan is notable because it comes at a time when relations between the two countries are strained, and there are broader uncertainties regarding bilateral cricketing engagements.
The participation of the Indian blind cricket team could serve as a symbol of sportsmanship and cooperation in the face of political tensions.
However, the decision also highlights the ongoing challenges in the realm of international sports diplomacy between India and Pakistan.
The situation regarding the Champions Trophy is a significant issue, with the BCCI’s refusal to send the Indian team to Pakistan potentially affecting the future of the event.
The ICC will now have to navigate this dispute, especially with the 2025 edition approaching.
It remains to be seen how the political and diplomatic dynamics will evolve in the coming months, particularly as the Indian blind cricket team prepares for the World Cup.
Indian team for T20 Blind World Cup:
Ajay Kumar Reddy, Debraj Behera, Nareshbhai Tumda, Nilesh Yadav, Sanjay Kumar Shah, Praveen Kumar Sharma, Venkateshwar Rao, Pankaj Bhuye, Lokesh, Rambir Singh, Irfan Dewan, Durga Rao Tompaki, Sunil Ramesh, Sukhram Majhi, Ravi Amiti, Dineshbhai Rathwa, Dhingar Gopu.