Pakistan bars over-50s team from playing in India

Pakistan’s cricket board denied its over-50s team permission to play in India in next January’s International Masters Cricket World Cup.

The team won the previous edition of the tournament, held in Sri Lanka last year.

Organisers and the host country had assured the team it would receive visas and high-level security.

The team sought permission from the Pakistan Cricket Board and the ministries of foreign affairs and interior.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who also leads the board, said the team could not travel, according to the association’s head, Fawad Ijaz.

Pakistan has withdrawn, and organisers will arrange an alternate team for the tournament.

The decision comes amid strained relations between Pakistan and India, whose cricket teams meet only in multi-nation events at neutral venues.