New level for blind cricket in India

Samarthanam,  a leading non-profit organization in India working for people with disabilities, believes in using sports as a tool for promoting inclusion and empowering individuals with disabilities. Sports not only enhance an individual's overall development but also rejuvenate the mind. The organisation offers various sports programs for children with disabilities who are eager to learn and excel in sports. Their sports team helps groom their skills and motivates them to compete at the national level. Sports are a key focus at Samarthanam Schools, and participants from all our initiatives are eager to join in the sporting activities.

In addition to other sports programs, Samarthanam also established the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) in 2010 to support visually impaired cricket players and give them a platform to showcase their talents in blind cricket. CABI is affiliated with World Blind Cricket Ltd (WBC) and works towards fulfilling the cricketing dreams of visually impaired individuals.

Nowadays the Indian blind cricket team is depending on the backing of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to enhance the sport for disabled athletes, urging the national board to ensure equal treatment for blind cricketers as they do for able-bodied players. Coach Mohammad Ibrahim spoke out on March 4 that BCCI recognition is crucial for the progression of blind cricket.

CABI has confirmed that its men's and women's teams will participate in the IBSA World Games in Birmingham starting August 19. This marks the first time that cricket will be featured in the quadrennial event, and CABI is aiming for success to elevate the profile of blind cricket on the global stage.

As per CABI, the BCCI requested the formation of DCCI (Differently Abled Cricket Council of India) which has been accomplished. Despite lacking financial backing from the BCCI, they do provide moral support and help in securing venues for matches, as mentioned by CABI chairman GK Mahantesh during a press conference attended by former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif on Monday.

However, Mahantesh expressed disappointment that despite winning multiple World Cups, including the 2022 T20 Blind World Cup, the team had yet to receive the promised support from the sports minister. The Indian men's team, led by Ajay Kumar Reddy, is set to face Pakistan in their first match of the IBSA World Games on August 20, where they will be competing against Australia, England, and Bangladesh in the five-team contest.

The Indian women's team, under the leadership of Varsha, is scheduled to compete in their inaugural match against Australia on August 20. With only three teams participating, the final showdown will take place at Edgbaston on August 26. Both the men's and women's teams are currently undergoing training in Bengaluru.

In addition to cricket, the IBSA World Games will feature competitions in judo, goalball, football, chess, tenpin bowling, shooting, showdown, archery, and tennis. The Indian Blind Association general secretary, David Absalom, also mentioned intentions to host the next edition of the Games in India.