Colombo has been finalized as a neutral venue for Pakistan’s matches in the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind 2025, scheduled from November 11 to 25.
The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) announced the revised arrangements, confirming that matches involving Pakistan will be hosted in Colombo following political instability in Nepal that rendered Kathmandu unsuitable as initially planned. The landmark tournament will now span three venues, New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Colombo, marking a significant moment in the history of women’s blind cricket.
The decision comes after the World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) Executive Committee held a virtual meeting to address concerns over the unstable situation in Nepal. While Kathmandu had been the designated secondary host for neutral fixtures, CABI has opted to safeguard the smooth conduct of the competition by including Colombo as an additional venue.
The championship will feature 21 league matches, two semi-finals, and a high-profile grand finale, with fixtures distributed across New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Colombo. In total, seven teams will participate: India, Australia, England, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the United States.
For CABI, hosting the first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind is a milestone. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, Chairman of CABI, underlined its greater significance, “This World Cup is more than just a tournament; it is a celebration of courage, skill, and inclusion. 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.”
The addition of Colombo ensures that the participation of Pakistan continues without disruption. Beyond being a logistical necessity, the move underscores the commitment of both CABI and WBCC to uphold the spirit of inclusivity and ensure a global representation in the inaugural edition.
For women’s blind cricket, this World Cup symbolizes not only athletic competition but also the strides made toward visibility, empowerment, and broader acceptance of differently abled athletes on an international platform.
(Quotes sourced from CABI Press Release)
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