'Significant Setback': Captain Says After India Withdraws From Blind T20 World Cup In Pakistan

Captain Durga Rao Tompaki on Wednesday said it is disheartening to miss out on chance to compete in T20 Blind Cricket World Cup in Pakistan following India's withdrawal from tournament while national federation described development as a "setback".

Indian team withdrew from tournament after government denied permission to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns.

Indian team was supposed to cross Wagah border on Wednesday for event, scheduled to begin on Saturday.

"We play with passion, and we represent our country with immense pride. We have always looked forward to competing at biggest stage, and it is disheartening to miss out on this opportunity," Tompaki said in a media release.

"However, we know that next World Cup is just around corner, and we remain committed to our training and preparation." Cricket Association for Blind in India (CABI) h conducted a 25-day training camp in New Delhi before selecting World Cup squ.

"We have h a successful coaching camp and have seen emerging talent that we believe can le our team to greater heights. It’s time to nurture se talents and ensure that our team is rey when next tournament comes," Tompaki ded.

team h initially got a No Objection Certificate (NOC), at no-cost to government, from Sports Ministry to participate in tournament. However, it couldn't get clearance from Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

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

“ team h been training rigorously and was eager to compete. However, we prioritise government's guidance and remain stefast in our commitment to continued development of Blind Cricket in India.”

"Though timing of next World Cup remains uncertain, commitment to sport and country remains unwavering," statement re.

government has also not given clearance to Indian national cricket team to travel to Pakistan for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy.

BCCI h informed International Cricket Council (ICC) about India's inability to travel to Pakistan and global governing body, in turn, passed information to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).