Lahore (Sports Desk): Pakistan has decided not to participate in next year's Over-50 Cricket World Cup 2027 in India after the country's veterans cricket team failed to receive government permission to take part in the event.
The Over-50 Cricket World Cup is scheduled to be held in the Indian city of Hyderabad Deccan from January 23 to February 7, 2027. Pakistan won the Over-50 Cricket World Cup held in Sri Lanka in 2025 and was therefore due to participate in the upcoming event as the defending champion.
According to Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association Chairman Fawad Ijaz Khan, Indian veterans cricket officials had assured the Pakistani team that visas would be issued and high-level security would be provided.
He said the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association had sought permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior to participate in the World Cup. However, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi informed them that the team was not being allowed to travel to India.
Fawad Ijaz Khan said the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association respects the government's decision and, due to the denial of permission, the team has decided not to participate in the World Cup.
He expressed regret over being unable to defend the country's international title and also extended his best wishes to the World Cup organizers and all teams participating in the event.