For the cricket crazy nation, there is an interesting addition to the sport, this time World Cup Cricket for the Blind to be played in the country between January 28 to February 12.

The semi-final of the event is to be held at the Lal Bahdur Shastri Stadium in Hyderabad and the finals at Bengaluru.

The Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, which is the parent body of the Cricket Association for the Blind (CABI), is playing the role of a facilitator for the event.

Mahantesh GK, Managing Trustee, Samarthanam Trust and President of Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), said: “Differently abled people do not need sympathies. They need opportunities to show their talent and capabilities. Given the opportunity, they can do wonders, get good jobs and also play a tough game like cricket.”

Former India cricketer Rahul Dravid has been recently inducted as the Brand Ambassador for the T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind, while IndusInd Bank has partnered with CABI to support the Indian Blind Cricket Team.

The World Cup, to be inaugurated in New Delhi will have teams from Australia, Bangladesh, England, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies. The tournament, to be played on a league-cum knock out basis across 10 cities in the country.

Expressing Telangana government’s support for the cricket match, S Niranjan Reddy, Vice Chairman of Telangana State Planning Board said: “It is gratifying to see Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled making an impact on the lives of the differently-abled people. The State will provide all necessary support and ensure the success of the World Cup.”

The Trust, which opened its branch in Hyderabad on Friday, has also set up Braille and Audio Library facility. Subu M Kota, President of Samarthanam Trust, said: “The opening up of a new centre in Hyderabad will benefit the visually impaired and differently abled children.”

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW