The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) announced on Wednesday that it is withdrawing the Indian men’s blind cricket team from the upcoming T20 Blind Cricket World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from November 22 to December 3. The decision comes after the Indian government did not grant clearance for the team to travel to Pakistan.
In a statement, CABI expressed its disappointment over the setback, acknowledging the government’s concerns and respecting the decision. “While this is a significant setback for the team, CABI fully respects the government’s guidance,” the association said. “The team had been training rigorously and was eager to compete, but we prioritize the government’s directive and remain committed to advancing Blind Cricket in India.”
The Indian team had been preparing for the tournament with enthusiasm and had hoped to continue their successful run, having won the first three editions of the T20 Blind Cricket World Cup. India emerged victorious in the first two editions, defeating Pakistan in the finals, and secured their most recent title by defeating Bangladesh.
Indian men’s team captain, Durga Rao Tompaki, expressed his team’s disappointment at missing the tournament. “We play with passion, and we represent our country with immense pride. It is disheartening to miss out on this opportunity, but we understand the importance of following the government’s guidance,” said Tompaki. He also remained optimistic about the future, noting that the team’s commitment to training and preparation will continue, with a focus on nurturing emerging talent for future tournaments.
The withdrawal follows a similar stance taken by India regarding the 2025 Champions Trophy, which will also be held in Pakistan. Earlier this month, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that India will not participate in the event due to the government’s travel advisory.
India’s absence from the T20 Blind Cricket World Cup is a significant development as the country has been a dominant force in the tournament’s history. However, the CABI remains determined to foster the growth of blind cricket and ensure the team’s readiness for future competitions.
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