Key Takeaways
- Pakistan will not participate in the 2027 Over-50 Cricket World Cup in India.
- The decision was made due to lack of government permission.
- Pakistan had been the defending champions after winning in 2025.
Pakistan has announced its withdrawal from the 2027 Over-50 Cricket World Cup, which was scheduled to take place in Hyderabad, India, from January 23 to February 7, 2027.
The Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA) Chairman, Fawad Ejaz Khan, confirmed the decision, stating that the team would not travel to India.
PVCA had sought permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior to participate, but the PCB Chairman and Federal Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, informed them that permission would not be granted.
Fawad Ejaz expressed disappointment that Pakistan would be unable to defend its international title, but respected the government’s decision.
Indian cricket officials had assured Pakistan of visa arrangements and high-level security for the tournament, but these assurances were not enough to secure participation.
Pakistan’s withdrawal means the defending champions will miss the opportunity to retain the title they won in Sri Lanka in 2025.
The PVCA extended its best wishes to the tournament organizers and the participating teams, hoping for a successful event.
This decision comes as a blow to Pakistani cricket enthusiasts who were looking forward to seeing the defending champions in action.
