Blind World Cup 2018: Finale between Pakistan and India in UAE

With grand finale of the Blind World Cup 2018 all set to be played between Pakistan and India on Saturday (January 20), the venue has been shifted to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after it was scheduled in Lahore.

The defending champions India beat Bangladesh by seven wickets on Wednesday (January 17) to set the date with Pakistan after chasing down the target of 257.

On the other side, Pakistan thrashed Sri Lanka by 156 at Ajman in the UAE on Wednesday to qualify for the final.

With Sharjah Stadium all set to host the final, India remained unbeaten in the group stage games after thumping Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh.

However, the opening fixture of India ended on a no result against Australia after rain played the spoilsport.

Earlier, the Cricket Association of Blind for India (CABI) was in touch with the government over discussion the final which was ideally slated for January 20 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, as Pakistan was hosting the six-team tournament.

According to the Quint, the General Secretary for CABI John David revealed the team had not received any response after seeking the permission from the current Indian government which saw them delivering a letter to the Ministry of External Affairs.

“CABI wrote to the Ministry of External Affairs in October 2017 regarding the permission, but have not got a response,” David maintained.

The 5th edition of Blind world cup kicked off on January 7, and the final was earlier scheduled on January 21.

However, with tensions escalating between the two neighbouring countries, India was provided with a neutral venue in the UAE.

It’s important to point out that since 2009 gruesome attack on Sri Lankan team bus at the Liberty Chowk in Lahore, Pakistan has enjoyed the cricket at second adopted home UAE.

Moreover, since past nine years, Pakistan is yet to host the Test fixture on its soil as 2017 was seen as the watershed moment for Pakistan cricket.

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