The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), has announced the final 17-member squad for the 4th T20 World Cup for the Blind, set to take place from November 22-December 3, 2024, in Lahore and Multan, Pakistan. While CABI secured a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on November 4, 2024, clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is still pending.
The Indian Men’s Cricket Team is currently training in Gurugram, and subject to final approvals, is expected to travel to Pakistan via the Wagah Border on November 21st. The tournament will kick off in Lahore on November 22nd, and will feature teams from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and India.
A 26-member squad recently participated in 12 days of selection trials in Gurugram, after which CABI finalized a 17-member team to represent the nation.
CABI highlighted India’s remarkable achievement of securing three consecutive victories in the T20 World Cups organized by CABI and the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled. These wins included defeating Pakistan twice and Bangladesh once in 2022. This year, the tournament will be hosted by the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC), CABI announced in a statement.
Chairman of CABI, Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, said, “Facing Pakistan again is an exciting challenge. Visually impaired cricketers deserve more opportunities, and we are determined to extend our winning streak. With three World Cup titles already under our belt, we are ready to make it four and hit another boundary.”
“The CABI Selection Committee has chosen a skilled 17- member squad with past experience representing India. We thank IndusInd Bank for their unwavering support in promoting Blind Cricket, which has enabled us to select the best for the country,” added President of CABI, Buse Gowda.
The Indian Men’s Cricket Team for the Blind has been training in Gurugram for the past 15 days, receiving full support from Samarthanam and CABI. The players are now eagerly awaiting a NOC from MEA, with high hopes for a favorable response, said General Secretary of CABI, Shailender Yadav.
The 17-member squad, selected to represent India in the upcoming World Cup, comprises players from various states, categorized based on their level of visual impairment.
- B1 Category (Totally Blind), the team features Ajay Kumar Reddy Illuri (Andhra Pradesh), Debaraj Behera (Odisha), Nareshbhai Balubhai Tumda (Gujarat), Nilesh Yadav (Delhi), Sanjay Kumar Shah (Delhi), and Praveen Kumar Sharma (Haryana).
- B2 Category (Partially Blind – Vision upto 2 Meters) players are Venkateswara Rao Dunna (Andhra Pradesh), Pankaj Bhue (Odisha), Lokesha (Karnataka), Rambir Singh (Delhi), and Irfan Diwan (Delhi).
- B3 Category (Partially Sighted – Vision upto 6 Meters), the team includes Durga Rao Tompaki (Andhra Pradesh), Sunil Ramesh (Karnataka), Sukhram Majhi (Odisha), Ravi Amiti (Andhra Pradesh), Dineshbhai Chamaydabhai Rathva (Gujarat), and Dhinagar Gopu (Pondicherry).
This diverse team brings together a blend of experience and talent, unified in their ambition to excel on the world stage.
On November 4th, Under Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Surendra Yadav, issued the NOC, stating that the Ministry has no objection from a sports perspective, provided there is no financial implication for the Government. He also recommended that CABI secure clearances from the Ministry of Home Affairs and MEA.
