India’s rivalry with Pakistan has reached its peak. The Champions Trophy is in the midst of uncertainty between these two cricketing countries. This time, India withdrew from the World Cup for the visually impaired to be held in Pakistan.
World Championship of Blind Cricketers is scheduled to start in Pakistan on November 23. India, however, agreed to send a team to start this tournament. The Union Sports Ministry allowed the team to travel to Pakistan. But the Ministry of Foreign Affairs blocked it. As a result, they withdrew from the World Cup.
Shailendra Yadav, a top official of the Association of Blind Cricketers of India, commented, “We sought permission to travel 25 days in advance to play the World Cup. I did not get permission even though the World Cup was approaching. They (officials) said it will not be allowed to withdraw the name from the World Cup.”
Not only India, Australia, England and New Zealand can withdraw their names from this event. It is profitable for the Pakistan team. Shailendra feels that more thought should be given before organizing big events in Pakistan in the future.
Expressing regret, he further said, “It is a sad matter for cricket. It’s everyone’s game. Everyone watches the India-Pakistan match with interest. Now Pakistan will get a walkover. Heartbreaking for those who have been practicing for a long time.”
However, Pakistan has made it clear that the tournament will be held on time even if India or other teams do not participate. Pakistan Blind Cricket Association chief Sultan Shah said, “India is yet to give written notice of withdrawal.”
Bangladesh will also participate in the Blind Cricket World Cup of T20 format. However, if teams like India or Australia do not participate, it goes without saying that the excitement of the event will decrease a lot.
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What are the key challenges faced by the Association of Blind Cricketers of India in participating in international events?
Time.news Interview: Cricket Diplomacy and International Relations in the Blind Cricket World Cup
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the most pressing issues shaping the world. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Shailendra Yadav, a prominent official from the Association of Blind Cricketers of India. Thank you for joining us, Shailendra.
Shailendra Yadav: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss these critical issues.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The recent decision by India to withdraw from the World Cup for the visually impaired, scheduled to take place in Pakistan, has raised many eyebrows. What were the factors that led to this decision?
Shailendra Yadav: The primary factor was the lack of permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Although the Union Sports Ministry approved our participation and we had sought permission 25 days in advance, the last-minute denial meant we had no choice but to withdraw. It is disheartening, especially considering the effort and enthusiasm of our players who were looking forward to this international competition.
Editor: It’s indeed a tough situation. Interestingly, this isn’t just isolated to India. Countries like Australia, England, and New Zealand have also expressed similar concerns about participating in events in Pakistan. What does this say about the broader implications for sports diplomacy in the region?
Shailendra Yadav: This reflects the complex dynamics of sports and international relations. Cricket, especially, is a massive part of South Asian culture, but political tensions can overshadow sports events. The reluctance of multiple countries to participate in Pakistan raises questions about safety and security. Future decisions about hosting international sports events in Pakistan need to be well thought out and take into account these diplomatic sensitivities.
Editor: Absolutely. You mentioned that you sought permission 25 days before the World Cup, yet faced delays. How does this kind of bureaucratic hurdle impact athletes, particularly in the context of blind cricket, which is already a niche sport?
Shailendra Yadav: The impact is significant. Our players, who often overcome considerable challenges just to play, feel let down. They train hard, commit themselves, and find joy in competing on such platforms. When their dreams are quashed due to bureaucratic issues, it hampers their morale. It also sends a discouraging message about the importance of blind cricket and its visibility.
Editor: Given the current situation, what are your thoughts on the future of blind cricket events being held in countries with similar political climates?
Shailendra Yadav: I believe that organizers and governing bodies must assess the political landscape and ensure that athletes can compete safely. It may be necessary to look for alternative venues or develop contingency plans to safeguard participation. If these issues continue to arise, we may end up missing out on important events, which can ultimately affect the growth and popularity of the sport.
Editor: You express a sentiment that resonates with many. There’s an undeniable passion for cricket among millions in India and Pakistan. In light of the recent withdrawal from the World Cup, what message do you want to convey about cricket as a unifying force, despite the political rivalries?
Shailendra Yadav: Cricket has an incredible power to unite people across borders and differences. It transcends politics and can bridge divides. This situation is unfortunate, but I hope it serves as a reminder that the spirit of the game should prevail over national tensions. We must work together to create an environment where sport can flourish and bring joy and hope to many.
Editor: Wise words, Shailendra. As we conclude, what’s next for the Association of Blind Cricketers of India, and how can people support this cause?
Shailendra Yadav: We remain committed to supporting our players and will continue our efforts to advocate for their participation in international events. Public awareness is vital, so spreading the word about blind cricket and supporting organizations that fund it is crucial. We hope that in the future, bureaucratic obstacles will be minimized, allowing our players to shine on the international stage.
Editor: Thank you, Shailendra, for sharing your insights and passion for blind cricket. We hope to see a brighter path forward in the sports world soon.
Shailendra Yadav: Thank you for having me. Together, let’s hope for a united and supportive sporting community.