Pakistan’s defending champions will miss the 2027 Over-50s Cricket World Cup in India after the government barred the team from travelling to the neighbouring country. The Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA) confirmed the withdrawal on October 20, 2026, citing government directives.
The tournament’s fifth edition is scheduled to take place in Hyderabad, India, from January 23 to February 7, 2027. Pakistan had been expected to compete as the defending champions after winning the 2025 edition by defeating Sri Lanka in the final.
PVCA chairman Fawad Ijaz Khan said the association had sought permission from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior before receiving the decision against participation. He added that the association would respect the government’s decision and wished the organisers and participating teams well.
The withdrawal means Pakistan will not have the opportunity to defend its title at the international tournament. The decision comes amid ongoing cricket-related tensions between Pakistan and India, with both countries following arrangements to avoid travelling to each other’s territory for major international events.
