Karnataka Men’s Cricket Tournament for the Blind Reaches Semifinal Stage

The Samarthanam Cup 2026 – Karnataka Men’s Cricket Tournament for the Blind has officially reached the semifinal stage after three days of competitive league matches in Bengaluru.

Deepa Academy Bengaluru will face JSB Ramanagara in the first semifinal, while Samarthanam Bengaluru will take on Asha Kirana Chikkaballapura in the second knockout clash on Friday. The winners will later battle for the championship title in the grand finale.

Tournament Promoting Inclusive Sports

The tournament is being organised by the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled in association with the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI).

Hosted at the Ramu Sports Arena in Bengaluru, the event aims to encourage inclusive sports while providing visually impaired cricketers with a competitive platform to showcase their talent.

Eight Teams Compete for the Title

A total of eight teams from different districts across Karnataka participated in the 10-over tournament.

Following 12 league-stage matches, the competition advanced into the knockout rounds with the top four teams securing semifinal berths. The tournament has also become an important talent-identification platform for future state and national-level coaching camps for visually impaired cricketers.

Cash Rewards and Recognition Await Winners

The organisers announced that the winning team will receive a cash prize of ₹31,000 along with the championship trophy, while the runners-up will be awarded ₹21,000 and a trophy.

The remaining participating teams will also receive participation prizes worth ₹10,000 each as recognition for their efforts and contribution to blind cricket in Karnataka.

Building Opportunities Through Blind Cricket

Founded in 1997, Samarthanam Trust has continued working towards creating education, livelihood and sports opportunities for persons with disabilities and underserved communities.

Blind cricket in India has grown significantly over the years, with tournaments like the Samarthanam Cup helping discover new talent while also promoting awareness and inclusion through sport.