The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a comprehensive support framework for the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities across Indian cricket. The initiative is aimed at strengthening infrastructure, improving exposure, and providing logistical backing to India’s visually impaired cricketers at both domestic and international levels.
The decision comes in recognition of the remarkable achievements of India’s blind cricket teams, which have consistently excelled on the global stage over the past decade. The BCCI said the support would extend to both the men’s and women’s national teams, helping address key challenges such as access to quality facilities, international competition, and professional match environments.
The initiative reflects a broader vision of inclusive growth that has been advocated by Jay Shah during his tenure as BCCI Honorary Secretary and continues under his leadership role at the International Cricket Council. The BCCI said the move aligns with its long-term objective of ensuring cricket remains accessible to players of all abilities.
As part of this initiative, the BCCI will provide assistance in the following areas:
International exposure: Provision of international travel for two overseas tournaments annually for both the Men’s and Women’s teams.
Home series support: Provision of accommodation for home and visiting teams during bilateral series hosted in India.
Venue access: Access to BCCI-affiliated stadia and grounds for domestic and international fixtures, ensuring high-quality playing conditions and professional match environments.
Speaking about the BCCI initiative, president Mithun Manhas said: “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 playing its part in ensuring that cricket continues to be a game for all.”
Honorary secretary Devajit Saikia said: “The BCCI remains committed to supporting initiatives that expand access to the game. 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. The opportunity to benefit from BCCI-supported infrastructure and match environments will further enhance their experience and help raise professional standards across blind cricket in India.”
India’s blind cricket teams have established themselves as dominant forces in world cricket. The men’s team has won multiple global titles, including the ODI Blind Cricket World Cups in 2014 and 2018, as well as the T20 Blind Cricket World Cups in 2012, 2017, and 2022.
The women’s team secured a historic milestone by winning the inaugural Women’s T20 Blind Cricket World Cup in 2025, defeating Nepal in the final to claim the first-ever title and highlighting India’s leadership in inclusive cricket.
