The IndusInd Bank Women’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2025 is set to begin from January 13, 2025 in Ernakulam, Kerala, the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) announced, in collaboration with the Cricket Association for the Blind in Kerala (CABK) and the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled.
Five groups of 19 teams will be seen competing in the tournament in Ernakulam, a day after a grand inauguration ceremony on January 12th.
During the inauguration ceremony, Member of Parliament, Ernakulum, Hibi Eden, expressed his delight, saying, “It is a great event, and I am happy to be a part of the activities organized by the Cricket Association for the Blind Kerala. I have known their work for many years and wholeheartedly support all the events conducted by CABK.”
The Ernakulam District Collector N. S. K. Umesh lauded the meticulous planning and execution of the event. He expressed admiration for the “efforts by CABK in obtaining permissions, ensuring safety measures, and adhering to the schedule. He also pledged his support for promoting blind cricket in the region.”
Dr. Mahantesh Kivadasannavar, Chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), said “The IndusInd Bank Women’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind is not just a celebration of cricket but also a testament to the resilience and determination of women cricketers with visual impairments.”
He added, “Each edition of this tournament inspires us as we witness extraordinary talent breaking barriers and redefining possibilities. We are thrilled to see 19 teams participating this year, reflecting the growing popularity of cricket for the blind among women. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to IndusInd Bank for their unwavering support in empowering these athletes and making this event a grand success.”
The Event Ambassador, Minu Mani, is the first woman cricketer from Kerala to represent India, while Indian Women’s National Cricket Team Captain Harmanpreet Kaur continues her role as the Goodwill Ambassador for Women’s Cricket.
Mani spoke enthusiastically, stating, “It is profound honor to serve as the Event Ambassador for the IndusInd Bank Women’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2025. This tournament goes beyond the boundaries of the game and I am thrilled to stand by and celebrate these remarkable players as they redefine possibilities and inspire us all on this extraordinary stage.”
“At IndusInd Bank, we are proud to champion inclusivity and empower extraordinary talent through platforms like the Women’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind. This tournament is a celebration of determination, resilience and the unstinting spirit of women athletes who inspire us by overcoming challenges and setting new benchmarks through path-breaking achievements in sports,” said Head – Corporate, Commercial & Rural Banking and in-charge of IndusInd for Sports, Sanjeev Anand.
Rajanish Henry, Secretary General – World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC), President of the Cricket Association for the Blind in Kerala (CABK) and Chairman of the Women’s National Tournament, highlighted that “CABK is excited to host 19 women’s teams this year, which is a record. Women’s Cricket for the Blind has grown significantly over the years, and we are proud that this platform continues to empower and transform the lives of women cricketers.”
Division into groups is based on the performance of the 19 participating teams in earlier national tournaments. Group A contains Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Assam. Group B consists of Karnataka, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana. Group C has Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra and Telangana while Group D has Jharkhand, Chandigarh, Bihar and Vidarbha. The final group, Group E consists of Kerala, Tamil Nadu & Uttar Pradesh.
Vidarbha, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are new entrants. Odisha has had most wins, topping the record with three titles to its name, while Kranatak won in 2022. In the last four editions both teams have managed to consistently reach the finals, though Odisha emerged the victor three of four times.
The league will come to a close on January 18th at Palace Oval, Thripunithura, Kochi after a total of 34 matches over the tournament week. The quarterfinals will be held on January 16th and the semi-finals on January 17, where the top 4 teams compete for a spot in the finals on January 18th.
Related posts:
Indian Men’s Cricket Team for the Blind awaits its government’s approval to participate in T20 World Cup in Pakistan
CABI Announces the Final Cricket Team for the 4th T20 World Cup in Pakistan; Awaits Clearance from India’s Foreign Ministry
A Force More Powerful: A New Book on The Rise of the Global Women’s Funding Movement
CABI to Begin Coaching Sessions in New Delhi as it Awaits NOC for the 4th T20 World Cup in Pakistan
