India withdraw from T20 Blind Cricket World Cup in Pakistan

India will not send its team for the fourth edition of the T20 Blind Cricket World Cup, scheduled to be held in Pakistan.

The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) on Wednesday announced after failing to secure the Indian government's clearance for the squad to travel to Pakistan.

The tournament is set to start on November 22 and go on till December 3.

“While this is a significant setback for the team, CABI fully respects the government's concerns and the decision for the same,” the board said in a statement. 

The development comes 100 days ahead of the start of the 2025 Champions Trophy, which is also set to be held in Pakistan. 

On November 9, the BCCI had informed the ICC that India will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament - again, a decision taken on the advice of the Indian government.

The schedule for the Champions Trophy was originally expected to be released by the ICC today.

India had 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.