Key Points

India has unveiled its 16-member squad for the historic first Women's T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind. The tournament will be hosted across New Delhi and Bengaluru from November 11-25. The team was selected after an extensive nationwide talent hunt and rigorous training camps. This landmark event reflects India's commitment to creating equitable platforms for athletes with disabilities.

Key Points: India Announces Squad for First Women's T20 Blind Cricket World Cup

  • India to host the first-ever Women's T20 World Cup for the Blind
  • Squad selected after a nationwide talent hunt of 56 players
  • Teams from Australia, England, Pakistan, and USA to compete
  • Deepika T C and Ganga S Kadam named captain and vice-captain
2 min read

India announces 16-member squad for first Women's T20 World Cup Cricket for Blind

India names its 16-member squad for the historic first Women's T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind, to be hosted in New Delhi and Bengaluru this November.

"This World Cup is more than just a tournament--it is a celebration of courage, skill, and inclusion. - Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, CABI Chairman"

Bengaluru, September 12

Cricket takes a giant leap towards inclusion this November 11-25, when India proudly hosts the historic first-ever Women's T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind.

The tournament will feature teams from Australia, England, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the USA. Matches will be played in New Delhi and Bengaluru. Kathmandu was initially identified as the third host city, with fixtures involving Pakistan scheduled there; however, due to the current situation in Nepal, an alternate venue is being considered.

The World Cup will comprise 21 league matches, two semi-finals, and one final, as per a press release from the Cricket Association for the Blind in India.

After a nationwide talent hunt of 56 players, followed by rigorous training and selection camps, the final 16-member Indian Women's Team for the Blind has been announced, ready to showcase their talent, resilience, and fighting spirit on the world stage.

Squad List: B1 Category: Simu Das (Delhi), P. Karuna Kumari (Andhra Pradesh), Anu Kumari (Bihar), Jamuna Rani Tudu (Odisha), Kavya V (Karnataka)

B2 Category: Anekha Devi (Delhi), Basanti Hansdah (Odisha), Simranjeet Kour (Rajasthan), Sunita Sarathe (Madhya Pradesh), Parbati Marndi (Odisha)

B3 Category: Deepika T C (Karnataka - Captain), Phula Soren (Odisha), Ganga S Kadam (Maharashtra - Vice Captain), Kavya N R (Karnataka), Sushma Patel (Madhya Pradesh), Durga Yevle (Madhya Pradesh)

The captain and vice-captain were chosen for their exemplary past performances and leadership qualities.

The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), the cricketing arm of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, is the proud organiser of this landmark World Cup, reflecting India's leadership in creating equitable platforms for athletes with disabilities, especially women.

Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, Chairman of CABI, said, "This World Cup is more than just a tournament--it is a celebration of courage, skill, and inclusion. Hosting it in India is a matter of pride, and I am confident our girls will rise to the occasion, inspire millions, and make the nation proud."

Earlier, the Indian women's visually impaired team scripted history by winning gold at the 2023 IBSA World Games, where cricket for the blind made its debut. India defeated Australia in the finals, marking a glorious chapter in women's blind cricket.

With the world watching, the Indian Women's Blind Cricket Team is set to take guard, play fearless cricket, and script history on home soil.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Amazing to see representation from so many states - Odisha, Karnataka, MP, Bihar! Shows cricket truly unites our diverse nation. Special shoutout to Captain Deepika and Vice Captain Ganga!
S
Sarah B
As someone working in disability advocacy, this is groundbreaking! Hope BCCI and other sports bodies take note and provide more support to para sports. The girls' IBSA gold medal shows their potential!
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Arjun K
Hope DD Sports or some channel broadcasts these matches live. These athletes deserve the same viewership as regular cricket. Would love to watch and learn about blind cricket rules!
K
Karthik V
While this is fantastic, I hope the organizers ensure proper facilities and accessibility at stadiums. Often para events get neglected in terms of infrastructure. These champions deserve the best!
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Nisha Z
So many Odisha players in the squad! 👏 Our state is producing amazing sporting talent across disciplines. Wishing the entire team the very best - bring the cup home, girls! 🇮🇳
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Michael C
Incredible spirit! Defeating Australia in the IBSA finals shows these women have champion mentality. Hope this World Cup gets the media coverage it deserves. True role models for every Indian!

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