The visually impaired Indian cricket team have put some serious hard yard to feature in the next edition of ODI World Cup for blind, slated to be held in Pakistan and Dubai from January 7 to 21. However, Indian players’ visit to Pakistan still remains in doubt since they are yet to get a clearance from its BJP ruled government.

The president of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India and the World, GK Mahantesh, on Thursday (January 4) made it clear that the team was ready to lock horns against Pakistan in their own turf but the Government of India has not granted them permission thus far.

Mahantesh further asserted that if they don’t receive a clearance from GOI on a specific time, then the Indian blind cricket team would play all its matches in Dubai.

India are currently the defending champions of the 50-over Blind World Cup and in this edition, the team will be captained by Arvind Kumar Reddy. The team will fly for Pakistan from Delhi on Friday (January 5) provided the government permission else they will depart for Dubai.

During the media, skipper Reddy said that his troops have honed their skills on bouncy, slow and turning pitches for this tournament. He also revealed that legendary India wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani has helped them preparing for the all-important event.

As far as international cricket is concerned – playing Pakistan has always been a dilemma for India. Earlier last year, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) had sought clearance from the Indian government in order to play a bilateral series with Pakistan in 2018. Amid all the tussle between both the neighbouring countries at the LOC, the request was expectedly turned down by the GOI.