India’s Cricket Association for the Blind (CABI) has officially announced the 17-member squad for the upcoming 4th T20 World Cup for the Blind, set to take place from November 22 to December 3, 2024, at Lahore and Multan, Pakistan.
The selection of the team was made following rigorous trials held over 12 days at Gurugram, where 26 players were evaluated before finalizing the squad. CABI received the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports on November 4, 2024, but is still waiting for clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs.
India has triumphed in the previous three editions of this tournament, establishing themselves as the dominant force by besting Pakistan twice and Bangladesh once during the last World Cup held in 2022. Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, Chairman of CABI, expressed excitement about the competition saying, “Facing Pakistan again is an exciting challenge. Visually impaired cricketers deserve more opportunities, and we are determined to extend our winning streak. With three World Cup titles already under our belt, we are ready to make it four and hit another boundary.”
The Indian team comprises players from various states, categorized based on their level of visual impairment. Ajay Kumar Reddy Illuri (Andhra Pradesh), Debaraj Behera (Odisha), and Nareshbhai Balubhai Tumda (Gujarat) are among those classified under the B1 Category, which is for players who are totally blind.
Meanwhile, players like Venkateswara Rao Dunna (Andhra Pradesh) and Pankaj Bhue (Odisha) fall under the B2 Category, which is for those with partial blindness, having vision up to 2 meters. The B3 Category includes players like Durga Rao Tompaki (Andhra Pradesh) and Sunil Ramesh (Karnataka), who can see up to 6 meters.”
The squad members who have made the final cut display significant talent and experience, each hoping to make their contribution toward securing India’s fourth successive World Cup title. CABI’s President, Mr. Buse Gowda, highlighted IndusInd Bank’s unwavering support, which has been instrumental for the development of Blind Cricket, saying, “The CABI Selection Committee has chosen a skilled team, and we are thankful for the partnership with IndusInd Bank.”
The team has been undergoing focused training sessions for half a month in Gurugram, preparing rigorously under the support of both Samarthanam and CABI. Mr. Shailender Yadav, General Secretary of CABI, stated, “The players now await NOC clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs and remain hopeful for a positive response.”
The World Cup will witness participation from teams including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and India. The tournament will open with the inaugural match on November 22, leading to what is expected to be two weeks of competitive matches demonstrating remarkable sportsmanship and skill.
Here's the full squad for India:
- Ajay Kumar Reddy Illuri (Andhra Pradesh)
- Debaraj Behera (Odisha)
- Nareshbhai Balubhai Tumda (Gujarat)
- Nilesh Yadav (Delhi)
- Sanjay Kumar Shah (Delhi)
- Praveen Kumar Sharma (Haryana)
- Venkateswara Rao Dunna (Andhra Pradesh)
- Pankaj Bhue (Odisha)
- Lokesha (Karnataka)
- Rambir Singh (Delhi)
- Irfan Diwan (Delhi)
- Durga Rao Tompaki (Andhra Pradesh)
- Sunil Ramesh (Karnataka)
- Sukhram Majhi (Odisha)
- Ravi Amiti (Andhra Pradesh)
- Dineshbhai Chamaydabhai Rathva (Gujarat)
- Dhingar Gopu (Pondicherry)
The Indian men's cricket team for the Blind is poised and ready, anticipating their trip to Pakistan via the Wagah Border, and aiming for another remarkable display of talent and determination. It’s not just about scores and victories; it’s about showcasing the abilities and aspirations of visually challenged cricketers on one of the biggest platforms.
