India has named their 16-member squad for the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind, scheduled from November 11 to 25 in New Delhi and Bengaluru, marking a historic moment for the sport.
Organised by the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), this first-of-its-kind tournament will bring together seven nations, Australia, England, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the United States, for 21 league-stage games followed by two semi-finals and a final. Originally, Kathmandu was also slated to host, but organisers are now assessing an alternative venue for Nepal’s share of fixtures, featuring Pakistan.
Reflecting on the significance of this tournament, CABI chairman Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar stated, “This World Cup is more than just a tournament; it is a celebration of courage, skill, and inclusion.” He added, “Hosting it in India is a matter of pride, and I am confident our girls will rise to the occasion, inspire millions, and make the nation proud”. This sentiment sums up the atmosphere surrounding the squad announcement, in which national pride and the pioneering spirit of women athletes take centre stage.
The newly announced Indian squad features a diverse blend of players representing various regions and categories of visual impairment. Karnataka’s Deepika T C has been entrusted with the captaincy, while Maharashtra’s Ganga S Kadam takes up the role of vice-captain. The roster combines seasoned talent and emerging stars who brought glory to India by winning gold at the 2023 IBSA World Games, where blind cricket was introduced for the first time.
Squad:
B1 Category: Simu Das (Delhi), P. Karuna Kumari (Andhra Pradesh), Anu Kumari (Bihar), Jamuna Rani Tudu (Odisha), Kavya V (Karnataka)
B2 Category: Anekha Devi (Delhi), Basanti Hansdah (Odisha), Simranjeet Kour (Rajasthan), Sunita Sarathe (Madhya Pradesh), Parbati Marndi (Odisha)
B3 Category: Deepika T C (Karnataka, captain), Phula Soren (Odisha), Ganga S Kadam (Maharashtra, vice-captain), Kavya N R (Karnataka), Sushma Patel (Madhya Pradesh), Durga Yevle (Madhya Pradesh)
The sense of anticipation in the Indian camp is high, especially following their triumphant performance at Birmingham last year, “Our girls will rise to the occasion, inspire millions, and make the nation proud,” reiterated Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, capturing the aspirations of a team that has already made history. The blend of leadership, new talent, and regional diversity exemplifies India’s commitment to progress in inclusive sport.
As the team prepares for the global spotlight, the World Cup stands as a testament to how sport can transcend limits and redefine possibilities. With seven nations competing and India set to host, expectations are sky-high for thrilling competition and inspiring stories both on and off the field. The Indian squad, now under the watchful eyes of the nation, is ready to script the next chapter in the journey of women’s blind cricket.
(Quotes sourced from DD News)
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