The absence of financial support from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has left the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) disappointed.
On Monday, August 7th, CABI officially announced that their men’s and women’s teams will take part in the 2023 IBSA World Games in Birmingham, which is hosted by the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA).
While CABI chairman Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar appreciated the emotional backing from the BCCI, he lamented the lack of financial assistance from the main governing body of Indian cricket.
Mahantesh stated in a press conference:
“The BCCI had asked us to constitute the DCCI (Differently Abled Cricket Council of India) which we did. But we are not getting financial support from the BCCI, though we have their moral support as they assist us by arranging venues for our matches.”
The CABI chairman stated:
“Our cricketers have won three T20 World Cups and two ODI World Cup and we had received assurances from the sports minister about more support following our title triumph in the 2022 T20 Blind World Cup at Bengaluru, but nothing has happened so far.”
Heartiest Congratulations to India Men's and Women's Blind Cricket Teams as they gear up to feature in World Games 2023, Birmingham. Let's show unwavering support and cheer for our Indian contingent as they embark on this momentous journey@blind_cricket
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 3, 2023
Ajaykumar Reddy and Varsha Umapathi chosen to lead Indian blind teams at IBSA World Games
In June, CABI revealed the lineups for the IBSA World Games. Andhra’s Ajaykumar Reddy will head the 17-member men’s team, while Karnataka’s Varsha Umapathi will lead the women’s blind cricket squad.
The men’s team has six players from B1 and B2 categories, and five from B3. The women’s team includes six players each from B1 and B3, and four from B2.
📷 CABI announces Ajay Reddy as the captain of the Indian men's cricket team for the blind for IBSA World Games. Congratulations, Ajay! 📷📷 #Cricket #BlindCricket #ibsaworldgames pic.twitter.com/uXe3vZzK9z
— Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) (@blind_cricket) August 3, 2023
The blind men’s cricket competition features five teams: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia, and England. Additionally, India, Australia, and England will take part in the three-team women’s tournament.
On August 20, India’s opening match in the men’s blind cricket tournament will be against Pakistan. Simultaneously, the Indian women’s blind team will kick off their campaign against Australia on the same day.
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