New DelhiOn India’s withdrawal from the T20 World Cup for the Blind in Pakistan, captain Durga Rao Tompaki on Wednesday (November 20) said that he is disappointed at not being able to play the tournament, while the national federation has also expressed regret over the development. The Indian team withdrew from the tournament after not getting permission from the government to go to Pakistan due to security reasons. The Indian team was to cross the Wagah border on Wednesday for the tournament starting on Saturday.
“We play with passion and take pride in representing our country,” Tompaki said in a release. We always want to play big tournaments and we are sad to lose this opportunity. But we know that the next World Cup is going to happen soon. We will continue to prepare for it.” The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) had selected the World Cup team after a 25-day practice camp in Delhi.
The captain further said, “Our coaching camp was very successful which produced many talented players and we believe that they will take the team to new heights. Now is the time to hone them so that the team is ready for the next tournament.” CABI said in a statement, “This is a blow for the team but we understand the concerns of the government and respect the decision.”
The Indian visually impaired cricket team had received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Sports Ministry to participate in the tournament but could not get approval from the Ministry of External Affairs. Let us tell you that Champions Trophy 2025 is to be held in Pakistan. But BCCI has also clearly refused to send the men’s national team to Pakistan. BCCI has asked to hold all India matches at neutral venues.
Tags: Indian Cricket Team
FIRST PUBLISHED: November 20, 2024, 14:50 IST