In a significant step toward strengthening inclusive cricket in the country, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has formally announced a structured support package for India’s blind cricket teams, covering travel, accommodation and stadium access for both men’s and women’s squads. The decision marks one of the most concrete institutional commitments to blind cricket in India and follows sustained advocacy from Jay Shah, who currently serves as Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Under the new framework, the BCCI will fund two annual international tours one each for the men’s and women’s blind teams ensuring consistent overseas exposure and competitive opportunities. In addition, the board will cover accommodation expenses during bilateral series hosted in India, even for the visiting teams, significantly easing the logistical burden that has historically fallen on players and organizing bodies. The BCCI will also provide access to established cricket stadiums and grounds across the country for domestic and international fixtures, a move expected to improve playing conditions and enhance the visibility of blind cricket.
The development comes at a time when India’s blind women’s cricket team is enjoying unprecedented success on the global stage. In 2025 the team captured the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind title, completing an unbeaten campaign and defeating Nepal in the final to lift the trophy. The victory followed another landmark achievement in 2023, when the women’s side won gold at the IBSA World Games in Birmingham. These accomplishments have brought renewed national attention to blind cricket and intensified calls for sustained structural backing.
Blind cricket in India is administered by the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), which has played a pivotal role in organizing domestic tournaments and facilitating international participation. However, despite competitive success, the teams have often faced financial and infrastructural challenges, relying heavily on sponsorships and donations to cover travel and lodging costs. The BCCI’s decision is therefore being viewed as an important moment that bridges the gap between mainstream and disability cricket.
The provision of stadium access is particularly significant. In the past, blind cricket matches have often been staged at smaller or secondary venues. Playing at established stadiums not only elevates match standards but also sends a symbolic message of parity and respect. Administrators believe that improved infrastructure and predictable funding will help nurture grassroots talent, encourage state associations to invest more actively in blind cricket programs, and inspire young visually impaired athletes to pursue the sport professionally.
While the new measures stop short of full administrative integration under the BCCI umbrella, they represent a decisive institutional endorsement. By underwriting two annual international tours and guaranteeing accommodation and venue support, the BCCI has created a more stable pathway for India’s blind cricketers to compete and excel.
For players who have already demonstrated their ability to conquer the world stage, the announcement offers reassurance that their achievements are not merely celebrated but also backed by meaningful action. As Indian blind cricket enters a new chapter of structured support, stakeholders across the sporting ecosystem are hopeful that this initiative will lay the groundwork for sustained growth, deeper inclusivity and continued international success.
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