India’s Blind Women’s Cricket Team capped off a landmark week by winning the first-ever Blind Women’s T20 World Cup — a triumph that was quickly followed by a special felicitation from the Karnataka government. The squad, fresh from their unbeaten run in Sri Lanka, was honoured by Karnataka Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah, who announced financial rewards and government jobs for players from the state.
The Karnataka government organised a formal ceremony to acknowledge the historic achievement. The Chief Minister extended the following benefits: ₹10 lakh each for three Karnataka players, ₹2 lakh each for all players from other states, and Government jobs for Karnataka representatives in the team.
India’s title-winning moment came at the P Sara Oval in Colombo, where they outclassed Nepal by seven wickets in a commanding Final. Nepal were held to 114/5 after sustained pressure from India’s bowlers, before the chase was dismantled with authority. Phula Saren’s blistering 44* off 27 balls headlined the pursuit, guiding India to the target in just 12.1 overs to complete a flawless campaign.
The team had earlier swept past Sri Lanka, Australia, Nepal, the United States and Pakistan in the league stage, and later brushed aside Australia again in the semi-final. Matches were staged across Delhi, Bengaluru and Colombo, with India and Sri Lanka jointly hosting the tournament. Blind cricket is played with 11 players a side using a specially crafted white plastic ball filled with ball bearings, allowing the ball to be heard as it moves.
The event featured warm interactions, felicitations with shawls and bouquets, and a proud display of the glittering World Cup trophy. The players were joined by officials, coaches and supporters, marking a milestone moment not only for the team but for the growth of blind women’s cricket in the country.
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