The Indian team has withdrawn from the mega even as their government had denied permission to tour Pakistan.

in separate letters to the World Blind Cricket Limited (WBC) and Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC), the Chairman of Cricket Association for the Blind India, Mahantish GK, has expressed regret over the decision, APP reported.

“Unfortunately, the Indian government has not granted permission for our team to participate in the World Cup. We wish the organizers all the best for the tournament and reaffirm our commitment to promoting blind cricket,” Dr Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar said.

The withdrawal comes despite teams from Afghanistan and South Africa already arrived in Pakistan, while Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are scheduled to come on Thursday.

The decision comes when the International Cricket Council (ICC) is trying to convince Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to opt hybrid model.

The standoff between Pakistan and India has affected the sports, particularly cricket after India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for playing tournament. India refused to visit Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025 which is scheduled to held in Pakistan.

After India’s refusal, Pakistan wrote to ICC to seek reasons for not travelling to Pakistan

Foreign media claimed that ICC has convinced PCB to opt hybrid model and avoid making statements against BCCI.

This development comes before the announcement of the schedule of the Champions Trophy. It is anticipated that schedule will be announced by November 20.

Pakistan is set to host the event from February 19 to March 9.

The political conflicts between the two neighbours have stopped India from visiting Pakistan since 2008. It is worthy to note that India played all their matches in Sri Lanka under a ‘hybrid model’ during the last year’s Asia Cup.

Earlier, the ICC told PCB that the Board of Control for Cricket in India had officially communicated that India would not participate in the eight-nation tournament.