The Indian blind cricket team, known for its remarkable successes, is eagerly awaiting government clearance to participate in the T20 World Cup in Pakistan, scheduled from November 23 to December 3. While the Ministry of Sports has already issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC), the final decision is pending further clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). With just days to go, the team and their supporters are anxiously awaiting a green light.
Details of the 2023 T20 World Cup in Pakistan
The upcoming World Cup, set to take place in Pakistan, promises intense competition as teams from multiple nations will vie for the trophy. Scheduled from November 23 to December 3, the event will test India’s defending champions as they face rivals eager to challenge their supremacy.
For any Indian team traveling to Pakistan, government clearance is mandatory due to the complex political and security relationship between the two nations. The Sports Ministry’s NOC is just one step; the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also need to grant final approval.
Current Status of India’s Clearance for the T20 World Cup
Shailendra Yadav, General Secretary of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), revealed that they have been waiting for over two weeks for a decision. “It’s been 15 days now that we are waiting for clearance,” Yadav shared. CABI remains hopeful, with players prepared to make the journey should the government approve.
“It’s been 15 days now that we are waiting for clearance, and we just need yes or no from the government. Last time we visited Pakistan was in 2014 for a bilateral series. In 2018, the government denied the clearance to visit Pakistan and in 2023, the Pakistan team skipped the tournament when it was held in India,” the CABI General Secretary said.
Implications of Not Receiving Clearance
If the clearance does not come through, it would be a significant blow for the Indian blind cricket team. Missing the World Cup would not only affect the players’ morale but also impact the tournament’s integrity. India’s absence would be a loss for fans and a missed opportunity for the athletes to defend their title.
Given the historical complexities in India-Pakistan relations, the delay may stem from security or diplomatic concerns. While neither government has provided a definitive reason for the delay, the lengthy clearance process reflects the sensitive nature of such international tours.
The Indian Blind Cricket Team’s Achievements
India has emerged as a dominant force in blind cricket, winning the T20 World Cup in 2012, 2017, and 2022. The team’s performance has consistently captivated fans, most notably in 2022, when they defeated Bangladesh by 120 runs in the final at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Their undefeated record in the tournament stands as a testament to their skill, determination, and hard work.
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