The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the upcoming 4th T20 Blind Cricket World Cup, which was scheduled to take place in Pakistan from November 22 to December 3.
The decision follows the non-clearance from the government of India.
Call it “Strike 3”. First it was the BCCI declaring that the Indian cricket team would not be traveling to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, citing lack of clearance from the Centre.
This was followed soon after by the Union government deciding against approving the Kabaddi federation’s request to participate in a series of friendly matches in the neighboring country.
And now comes the decision by the Centre to bar the blind cricket team from traveling to Pakistan.
CABI lamented the “setback for the team” but stated for the record: “While this is a significant setback for the team, CABI fully respects the government’s concerns and the decision for the same. The team had been training rigorously and was eager to compete. However, we prioritize the government’s guidance and remain steadfast in our commitment to the continued development of blind cricket in India.”
Team India captain Durga Rao Tompaki said: “We play with passion, and we represent our country with immense pride. We have always looked forward to competing at the biggest stage, and it is disheartening to miss out on this opportunity. However, we know that the next World Cup is just around the corner, and we remain committed to our training and preparation. We have had a successful coaching camp and have seen emerging talent that we believe can lead our team to greater heights. It’s time to nurture these talents and ensure that our team is ready when the next tournament comes.”
CABI continues to focus on fostering new talent and enhancing the skills of its players, keeping the team prepared for future competitions. Though the timing of the next World Cup remains uncertain, the commitment to the sport and the country remains unwavering.
