Pakistan Withdraws from Over-50 Cricket World Cup 2027 in India

KARACHI:Pakistan has decided not to participate in the Over-50 Cricket World Cup 2027 scheduled to be held in India after the national team failed to secure government permission to take part in the tournament.

The Over-50 Cricket World Cup is scheduled to take place in Hyderabad, India, from January 23 to February 7, 2027.

Pakistan, which won the Over-50 Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka in 2025, was due to compete in the upcoming tournament as the defending champion. However, the government’s refusal to grant permission has forced the team to withdraw from the event.

Fawad Ejaz Khan, chairman of the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), said Indian veterans cricket officials had assured the Pakistani team that visas would be issued and high-level security arrangements would be provided.

He said the PVCA had sought permission to participate in the tournament from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior. However, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi informed the association that permission would not be granted.

Fawad Ejaz Khan said the association respected the government’s decision and had therefore decided against participating in the World Cup.

He expressed disappointment that Pakistan would be unable to defend its world title, while extending his best wishes to the tournament organisers and all participating teams.