India’s Ministry of Sports has issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the Indian Blind Cricket Team to participate in the upcoming T20 Blind Cricket World Cup, set to be held in Pakistan later this month.
In a letter from Shailendra Yadav, Secretary General of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India, the Sports Ministry granted permission for the tour, advising the association to seek additional clearance from the Ministries of External Affairs and Home Affairs.
The Indian team is scheduled to arrive in Lahore on November 12, with a highly anticipated Pakistan-India match set for November 25. Syed Sultan Shah, Chairman of the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council, expressed his appreciation for the NOC, noting the excitement among fans for the tournament and especially for the match between the two nations.
Shah highlighted the role of cricket diplomacy in improving relations between Pakistan and India, citing past events as significant in strengthening ties. He also emphasized the importance of inclusive sports opportunities, referencing the UN Charter’s support for enabling sports for people with disabilities.
Analysts see this development as a positive breakthrough in cricket relations between the two nations, with hopes that it may pave the way for India’s national cricket team to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy scheduled for next year in Karachi and other cities.
