Islamabad, 21 October, 2026( Kamran Raja): Pakistan has decided not to participate in the Over-50s Cricket World Cup 2027 scheduled to be held in India after failing to obtain government permission for the tournament. The competition is set to take place in Hyderabad Deccan from January 23 to February 7, 2027. Pakistan was due to compete as the defending champion after winning the 2025 edition in Sri Lanka. Fawad Ejaz Khan, chairman of the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), said Indian veterans cricket officials had assured the Pakistani team of visa arrangements and high-level security during the tournament. He said the association had sought permission to participate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior. However, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi subsequently informed the association that permission would not be granted. Following the government’s decision, the association decided against sending the team to India. Khan said the organisation respected the government’s position on the matter.