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India's blind women cricketers clinch inaugural T20 World Cup title
India's women's blind cricket team secured a historic seven-wicket victory over Nepal in the final of the inaugural T20 World Cup for the Blind, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Sunday. The triumph follows India's recent win in the Women's One-Day International World Cup for the blind, marking a double milestone for the sport in the country.
The match and tournament format
The final saw India restrict Nepal to 114 runs for five wickets after electing to field first. The Indian team chased down the target in just 12 overs, losing only three wickets in the process. The tournament, which began on in Delhi before moving to Karnataka and Sri Lanka, featured six teams: India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, and the US, competing in a round-robin format.
Blind cricket adapts traditional rules to accommodate players with varying degrees of vision. The sport uses a plastic ball embedded with metal bearings that jingle, allowing players to track it by sound. Teams must include a mix of B1 (fully blind), B2, and B3 players, with B1 batters using runners for safety. Each run scored by a B1 batter counts as two.
A victory for inclusion and perseverance
The win is expected to galvanize support for athletes with disabilities across India. Many players on the Indian team overcame significant personal and socioeconomic challenges to reach the squad, with several hailing from rural villages, farming families, or small-town hostels. For some, cricket is a relatively new pursuit, mastered only in recent years.
"This victory will encourage many women and many other persons with disabilities across India to pursue cricket and other sports," said Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India.
Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, Chairman, Cricket Association for the Blind in India
"I hope our victory can inspire many more like us," said bowler Simu Das, who comes from a small village in northeast Assam state.
Simu Das, Indian team bowler
Nationwide celebrations and accolades
The team received a "grand welcome" in Chennai on Monday morning, with another reception planned at Bengaluru airport later in the day, according to Kivadasannavar. Politicians and cricket legends joined in celebrating the achievement.
"Our Tiranga [tricolour] today flutters higher with pride at your achievement. Your triumph mirrors your resolve and dedication to win honours for the nation," said federal minister Amit Shah, calling it a "historic day for Indian sports."
Amit Shah, Federal Minister
"Some victories remind us that no challenge is ever too big when talent refuses to be limited," wrote Mithali Raj, former captain of the India women's cricket team, in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Mithali Raj, Former India Women's Cricket Team Captain
"Champions showcasing what's possible with sheer courage and skill. You have made the whole country proud," posted former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh.
Yuvraj Singh, Former Indian Cricketer
Looking ahead
The victory is seen as a catalyst for greater recognition and opportunities for athletes with disabilities in India. With the team's success drawing national attention, advocates hope it will lead to expanded resources and visibility for blind cricket and adaptive sports more broadly.
