Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled a comprehensive support framework for the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), reinforcing its commitment to inclusive growth and equal opportunities across Indian cricket.
The decision comes in recognition of the extraordinary achievements of India’s visually impaired cricketers, who have dominated the global stage over the past decade. The Men’s team has secured multiple World Cup titles, while the Women’s team etched history with a landmark triumph at the inaugural Women’s World Cup. Acknowledging both their accomplishments and the unique challenges faced by blind cricketers, the BCCI has pledged structured assistance to strengthen the Men’s and Women’s National Teams.
The initiative aligns with the broader vision of inclusive growth in cricket — a principle strongly advocated by Jay Shah during his tenure as BCCI Honorary Secretary and which he continues to champion in his current role as Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Key Areas of Support
Under the newly announced framework, the BCCI will extend support in the following areas:
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International Exposure: Provision of international travel for two overseas tournaments annually for both the Men’s and Women’s teams.
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Home Series Support: Accommodation facilities for home and visiting teams during bilateral series hosted in India.
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Venue Access: Access to BCCI-affiliated stadiums and grounds for domestic and international fixtures to ensure high-quality playing conditions and professional match environments.
BCCI President Mithun Manhas described the move as a significant step toward empowering visually impaired athletes.
“The achievements of India’s visually impaired cricketers are a source of immense pride for the cricketing fraternity. Through this support framework, the BCCI aims to strengthen opportunities, infrastructure and exposure for these athletes. Inclusive growth remains central to our vision for the game. We hope this support will further empower the teams to pursue excellence with confidence and inspire many more to take up the sport. The BCCI remains committed to ensuring that cricket continues to be a game for all,” he said.
BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia emphasized the importance of institutional backing in enhancing professional standards.
“Extending this support to CABI is an important step in ensuring that visually impaired cricketers have the facilities and assistance needed to compete with confidence both at home and overseas. Access to BCCI-supported infrastructure and match environments will elevate their experience and help raise professional standards across blind cricket in India,” he stated.
The BCCI expressed optimism about working closely with CABI to implement these initiatives effectively and further strengthen the ecosystem of blind cricket in India, marking another milestone in the journey toward making cricket truly inclusive.
