India Withdraws from 2024 Blind T20 World Cup

The Indian blind cricket team has withdrawn from the T20 Blind World Cup 2024 in Pakistan after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) denied permission for the team to travel, citing security concerns. Although the team had received a No Objection Certificate from the Sports Ministry, the lack of final clearance from the MEA led to their withdrawal. This decision follows India's earlier confirmation of participation and comes just before the tournament's start on November 23. Pakistan Blind Cricket Council Chairman Syed Sultan Shah confirmed the tournament would proceed without India. The development mirrors past visa issues, such as the 2022 T20 Blind World Cup when the Indian government did not issue visas to the Pakistan team. India, the defending champions, joins England, Australia, and New Zealand in not participating this year.