The inaugural Blind Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup, currently taking place, highlights the achievements of visually impaired Indian women in sports. The tournament features six teams: India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, and the USA, and began on November 11 in Delhi, with the knockout rounds moving to Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The 16-member Indian team is composed of players from nine different states, including Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Odisha. Many players were introduced to cricket through local organizations, schoolteachers, or community camps, often facing cultural and family barriers. The team manager, Shika Shetty, noted that most players come from rural backgrounds, and it took time for families to support their involvement in the sport.
Blind cricket utilizes a ball with metal bearings for sound, and players are categorized into three groups based on their level of vision—B1, B2, and B3. During the World Cup, India has won all five of its matches, making them the first team to secure a spot in the semifinals.
The team is captained by Deepika TC from Karnataka, who lost her vision as a child. She credits the sport for providing direction and confidence in her life. Deepika mentioned that the recent victory of the sighted Indian women’s team in the World Cup inspires her team’s aspirations for success. The vice-captain, Ganga Kadam, and other players like Anekha Devi and Phula Saren, also share impactful stories of their journeys into cricket.
The World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) has governed the sport since 1996, but this year marks the first women’s World Cup. The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), established in 2011, has been integral in the development of women’s blind cricket, evolving from initial scouting efforts in 2019 to international competition in 2023.
With matches being live-streamed and broadcasted, the visibility of women’s blind cricket is expected to increase, potentially leading to greater acceptance from families regarding participation in the sport.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78z8n3kvnro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss