The World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) has announced that India will no longer host the upcoming Women’s Blind Cricket World Cup, instead the event will now be held at a neutral venue.
The decision was finalized during the WBCC’s 26th General Council meeting in Multan. Representatives from cricket boards of Pakistan, Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Afghanistan attended in person, while officials from India, England, and New Zealand joined online.
Syed Sultan Shah, Chairman of the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC), was re-elected as WBCC President for two-year term, while India’s Rajanish Henry was elected Secretary-General.
Speaking on the venue change, Shah highlighted the ongoing visa restrictions between Pakistan and India that have hindered bilateral matches.
“Both Pakistan and India are leading teams in the world of blind cricket, but visa restrictions, logistical and administrative challenges have hindered their ability to compete against each other. Hosting events at neutral venues is the most practical solution to this issue,” Shah stated.
Cricket relations between the two countries remain strained as India refused to send teams to Pakistan for international events, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the Blind Cricket T20 World Cup, has escalated tensions.
In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed a ‘Partnership or Fusion Formula’ to resolve the standoff regarding the Champions Trophy.
