India’s Ministry of Sports has permitted the Indian Blind Cricket Team to play in the fourth T20 Blind Cricket World Cup, which will be held in Pakistan later this month.
In a letter, Shailendra Yadav, Secretary General of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India, confirmed that the Sports Ministry issued the NOC for the Pakistan tour and advised the association to get additional clearance from the Ministries of External Affairs and Home Affairs.
The Indian team is set to arrive in Lahore on November 12, and a much-anticipated Pakistan-India match is scheduled for November 25.
Pakistan Blind Cricket Council Chairman Syed Sultan Shah welcomed India’s decision, saying that matches between the two nations always generate high interest. He expressed excitement among Pakistani fans, especially for the upcoming game against India.
Shah also noted that previous cricket diplomacy has helped improve relations between the two countries. He highlighted the UN Charter’s support for inclusive sports opportunities for people with disabilities.
Shah hopes India’s Ministries of External Affairs and Home Affairs will soon approve the team’s visit.
Analysts see this as a positive step for India-Pakistan cricket ties and hope that India will also allow its national team to play in the Champions Trophy, which is scheduled for Pakistan next year.
