Pakistan will not participate in the 2027 Over-50 Cricket World Cup scheduled to be held in India after the national veterans team failed to receive government permission to travel for the tournament.
The tournament is scheduled to take place in Hyderabad, India, from January 23 to February 7, 2027. Pakistan was due to enter the competition as defending champions after winning the 2025 Over-50 World Cup in Sri Lanka.
Government Permission Not Granted
Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association Chairman Fawad Ijaz Khan said Indian veterans cricket officials had assured the Pakistani team of visas and high-level security arrangements.
He said the association had sought permission to participate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior. However, PCB Chairman and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi informed the association that permission would not be granted.
Following the decision, the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association decided not to participate in the tournament and said it respected the government’s decision.
Pakistan to Miss Title Defence
Fawad Ijaz Khan expressed disappointment that Pakistan would not be able to defend its world title. He also extended his best wishes to the tournament organisers and participating teams.
Pakistan’s withdrawal means the defending champions will not be part of the Over-50 World Cup in India despite having secured the title in the previous edition.