Two years after India’s 2023 IBSA World Games triumph, hopes soar as the women’s blind cricket team eyes continued success following their historic win
New Delhi
The Chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, met President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday to brief her about the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup – Cricket for the Blind. The historic tournament will take place from November 11 to 25, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Also present was Meenakashi Lekhi, former Union Minister and chairperson of the Organising Committee. They discussed preparations for the event, which marks the world’s first-ever T20 World Cup for visually impaired women cricketers.
Matches will be held across New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Colombo. Seven nations – Australia, England, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the USA – will compete in 21 league matches, two semi-finals, and a grand final. If Pakistan reaches the summit clash, the final will be hosted in Colombo.
Mahantesh said it was a privilege to present details of the tournament to the President, calling it a “landmark event that celebrates inclusion, courage, and the sporting spirit of visually impaired women cricketers worldwide.” Lekhi added that the President remains a source of inspiration for women and specially-abled athletes.
The tournament comes two years after India’s golden triumph at the 2023 IBSA World Games, where the Indian women’s blind cricket team defeated Australia in the final. The achievement brought international recognition and raised hopes for further success.
India has named its 15-member squad across B1, B2, and B3 categories, led by captain Deepika T.C. of Karnataka and vice-captain Ganga S. Kadam of Maharashtra. With global attention, India’s visually impaired women cricketers are ready to showcase fearless cricket and write another chapter of history.