New Delhi, Sep 11
After a nationwide talent hunt of 56 players, followed by rigorous training and selection camps, India announced a 16- member squad for the first-ever Women's T20 World Cup for the Blind.
The tournament, scheduled from November 11-25, comprises 21 league matches and two semi-finals, followed by the final. It will feature Australia, England, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the USA.
Matches will be played in New Delhi and Bengaluru. Kathmandu was originally 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 Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), the cricketing arm of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, is the 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.
Squad:
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).
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great to see representation from so many states - Odisha, Karnataka, MP, Delhi! Shows cricket talent exists across India. Hope BCCI gives more support to disabled cricket. These athletes deserve better facilities and recognition.
As someone working in disability advocacy, this is groundbreaking! Hosting the first-ever Women's T20 WC for Blind shows India's commitment to inclusive sports. Hope this inspires more girls with disabilities to take up sports.
The India-Pakistan match will be interesting! Hope the Nepal situation gets resolved peacefully. These athletes have overcome so much - politics shouldn't come in the way of sports. Jai Hind!
So proud to see Karnataka players in the squad! Deepika TC as captain and two others representing our state. Let's fill the stadiums in Bengaluru and show our support. These women are true champions 💪
Michael C
Wonderful initiative! Hope this tournament gets proper media coverage. These athletes work as hard as any other cricketers but get minimal attention. Star Sports, Sony - please broadcast these matches!
While this is fantastic, I hope the organizers ensure proper accessibility at stadiums - braille signage, audio commentary, accessible seating. Often these aspects get overlooked in our enthusiasm
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