ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided not to participate in the 2027 Over-50 Cricket World Cup scheduled to be held in India, preventing the defending champions from retaining their world title.
The tournament, featuring players aged 50 and above, is scheduled to take place in Hyderabad, India, from January 23 to February 7, 2027.
Pakistan won the previous edition in Sri Lanka in 2025 to claim the world championship. However, the team will not be able to defend its title after the government refused permission for it to travel to India.
According to Irfan Ahmed, general secretary of the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), the association’s chairman, Fawad Ijaz Khan, said Indian veterans cricket officials had assured Pakistan of visa facilitation and high-level security for the team.
Mohsin Naqvi Says Team Cannot Be Allowed to Travel to India
Fawad Ijaz said the PVCA had formally sought permission from the ministries of foreign affairs and interior for the team to participate in the tournament.
However, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi informed him that the team could not be allowed to travel to India for the World Cup. Following the decision, the association decided against participating in the event.
Ijaz said the PVCA respected the government’s decision and would not send the team to India without official permission.
Expressing disappointment over the team’s inability to defend its title, he said Pakistan had earned the honour of becoming world champions by winning the 2025 edition. Missing the next tournament would therefore be disappointing for the defending champions.
He also extended his best wishes to the tournament organisers and participating teams.
Over-50 cricket is played by cricketers aged 50 and above. The format gives experienced players, including former first-class and international cricketers, opportunities to compete nationally and represent their countries in international tournaments.
Pakistan’s victory in the 2025 edition established it as the defending champion ahead of the 2027 tournament.
