Pakistan will not defend its Over-50 Cricket World Cup title in India next year after the federal government declined to grant the team permission to travel, the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA) has confirmed.
The tournament is scheduled to be held in Hyderabad Deccan from January 23 to February 7, 2027. Pakistan had qualified as defending champions, having won the 2025 edition in Sri Lanka.
Visa and Security Assurances Not Enough
PVCA Chairman Fawad Ejaz Khan said Indian veterans cricket officials had assured the Pakistani side of visa arrangements and high-level security for the event. Despite those assurances, the association formally sought clearance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior.
According to Khan, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi subsequently informed the association that permission would not be granted.
Association Accepts Decision
Following the government’s refusal, the PVCA decided against sending the team to India. Khan said the organisation respects the government’s position on the matter.
The withdrawal means the defending champions will be absent from the 2027 competition, leaving the title to be contested without the side that claimed it two years ago in Sri Lanka.
