The Daily Pakistan reports that the Indian team was scheduled to arrive in Lahore on Saturday (January 6) and play its first match against Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium today.

But following what the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) describes as the Indian Foreign Ministry’s "verbal denial" to its team's clearance, the Indian team instead travelled to the United Arab Emirates to contest an opening encounter against Australia in Dubai today - a match that was called off due to a heavy downpour.

The PBCC said that "despite numerous earnest efforts of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) and PBCC, getting clearance of the Indian blind cricket team to tour Pakistan to play the forthcoming World Cup matches is still held in abeyance by the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs".

"Indian Foreign Ministry has not in writing denied the Indian team's participation in the Blind Cricket World but CABI told us that Foreign Office has denied 'verbally,'" PBCC chairman Syed Sultan Shah said in a statement.

The One-Day International tournament also includes teams from Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

But only teams from Bangladesh and Nepal have agreed to play in Pakistan, which has been at the centre of security concerns for several years.

All other matches are scheduled to be held in the UAE.

The Daily Pakistan reports that the Federal and the Punjab Governments have assured security for the World Cup and that the Pakistan Cricket Board is also providing bullet-proof vehicles for travelling teams.

Pakistan begun their Blind Cricket World Cup campaign by beating Bangladesh at the Gaddafi Stadium today. 

Pakistan were set a target of 208 after they won the toss and put Bangladesh into bat first in the 40-overs game.

The home nation chased down the total in 17 overs, inspired by a superb century from Badar Munir, who was named man of the match for his score of 145.

Australia won the toss against India in Dubai and, having chosen to bat, scored 26 runs for the loss of two wickets before rain stopped play.

Both teams were awarded one point each.

India are due to face Pakistan in Ajman in the UAE on Friday (January 12).

The final of the tournament, which is being staged for a fifth time, is scheduled to be held in Lahore on January 21.