The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) on Tuesday confirmed Colombo, Sri Lanka, as a neutral venue for matches involving Pakistan in the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup for Blind, scheduled from November 11 to 25.
Change from Kathmandu
Kathmandu was initially designated as the neutral venue, but the World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) Executive Committee, in its virtual meeting on September 15, decided to shift fixtures to Colombo due to the prevailing instability in Nepal.
Tournament structure
The maiden World Cup will now be played across New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Colombo. The schedule includes 21 league matches, two semi-finals, and the final. Seven nations — Australia, England, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the USA — will compete in the historic event.
Organisers’ vision
“This World Cup is more than just a tournament, it is a celebration of courage, skill, and inclusion,” said CABI chairman Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar. “Hosting it in India is a matter of pride, and I am confident our girls will rise to the occasion and inspire millions.”
Recent achievements
India’s women’s blind cricket team heads into the event on a high, having won the gold medal at the 2023 IBSA World Games, where cricket for the blind made its debut. The side had defeated Australia in the final to clinch the historic title.
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