Blind female cricketers from India and Pakistan set aside political tensions as they met in Sri Lanka for a cricket tournament designed for visually impaired players. The event, billed as the world’s first blind women’s T20 tournament, showcased the sporting abilities of players from the two South Asian countries, demonstrating that despite their visual impairments, they possessed exceptional skills on the field.
Recent military conflicts between India and Pakistan have heightened tensions between the nations, leading to strained relations even in the realm of sports. Notably, during the Asia Cup in September, the Indian men’s team declined to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts, reflecting the ongoing animosity between the two sides. This standoff extended to the women’s teams, who refrained from exchanging greetings at the recent T20 World Cup and continued during the men’s Rising Stars Asia Cup match in Doha.
Despite the initial lack of a handshake at the toss, the blind cricket players from India and Pakistan displayed sportsmanship by warmly greeting each other after the match. The Indian team emerged victorious, defeating Pakistan by eight wickets in just 10.2 overs at the Free Trade Zone grounds in Katunayake, near Colombo.
Following the match, Pakistan’s captain, Nimra Rafique, congratulated the Indian team on their win, while India’s captain, T. C. Deepika, acknowledged Pakistan’s performance. Both teams exchanged compliments and applause, fostering a spirit of camaraderie on the field.
Although the match had few spectators, it was broadcast live on Sri Lanka’s national television, Rupavahini. The tournament, which marks the inaugural World Cup for blind women, is seen as a significant opportunity for visually impaired girls to showcase their talent and inspire others to participate in sports.
According to Indian team manager Shika Shetty, the tournament represents a milestone in promoting inclusivity and providing opportunities for women with disabilities. Shetty emphasized the potential for the tournament to encourage more visually impaired girls to pursue sports and education, thereby empowering them to break barriers and excel in various fields.
Blind cricket, reliant on acute listening skills, challenges players to track a white plastic ball filled with rattling ball bearings. The introduction of women’s blind cricket has opened doors for aspiring young players in Pakistan, offering a platform for those with visual impairments to showcase their talent and skills on an international stage.
The tournament, featuring teams from Australia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the US, India, and Pakistan, has progressed from India to Sri Lanka for its final stages. The culminating event is scheduled to take place in Colombo next Sunday, highlighting the growing popularity and inclusivity of blind cricket on a global scale.