A heartfelt Congratulations to the @blind_cricket Indian team for winning the first-ever Blind Women’s T20 World Cup, a tournament that showcased extraordinary ability, courage, and teamwork. This victory goes far beyond just a trophy — it symbolizes empowerment, inclusion, and the limitless spirit of differently abled athletes.
India defeated Nepal convincingly in the final, chasing the target with ease and completing the tournament as undefeated champions. The team dominated throughout the league stage, semi-finals, and finale, proving their strength in all departments.
This is the first global T20 World Cup dedicated exclusively to blind women cricketers — and India will forever be remembered as the first champions in history.
Tournament Summary
- Tournament: 1st Blind Women’s T20 World Cup
- Format: T20
- Hosts: India & Sri Lanka
- Teams: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Australia, USA
- India’s campaign: Unbeaten from first match to final
- Final result: India beat Nepal by 7 wickets
India’s bowling unit restricted Nepal to a competitive total, and the batters chased it in just over 12 overs with remarkable confidence.
Final Match Highlights
Phula Saren – The Star of the Final
- Unbeaten 44 runs off just 27 balls
- Led India’s chase with fearless hitting
- Awarded Player of the Match
- Showed exceptional game awareness and calmness under pressure
Her explosive performance in the final will be remembered as one of the defining moments of this inaugural World Cup.
Karuna K – Steady Support
- Played a composed and impactful innings
- Ensured a stable partnership with Phula that sealed India’s victory
India’s batting performance was a blend of power, composure, and brilliant running between wickets, showcasing the team’s high-level preparation.
Full Indian Squad – The Women Who Made History
The Indian team consisted of 16 players across three visual categories — B1 (totally blind), B2 (partially blind), and B3 (partially sighted).
B1 (Totally Blind)
- Simu Das
- P. Karuna Kumari
- Anu Kumari
- Jamuna Rani Tudu
- Kavya V
B2 (Partially Blind)
- Anekha Devi
- Basanti Hansdah
- Simranjeet Kour
- Sunita Sarathe
- Parbati Marndi
B3 (Partially Sighted)
- Deepika T C – Captain
- Ganga S Kadam – Vice Captain
- Phula Soren
- Kavya N R
- Sushma Patel
- Durga Yevle
These athletes represent different states and backgrounds, showing how blind women’s cricket has grown into a true national sport.
Prize Money & Rewards for the Champions
The first Blind Women’s T20 World Cup had a dedicated prize pool of ₹25 lakh, allocated for:
- Champion team (India)
- Runners-up (Nepal)
- Player of the Match awards
- Individual performance awards (best batter, bowler, fielder, etc.)
India, being the champions, received the largest share of the tournament prize money.
Apart from official awards, many state governments, organizations and sports foundations are expected to:
- Announce cash prizes
- Offer jobs or government posts
- Facilitate felicitation ceremonies for the players
This recognition is important as it boosts the morale of differently abled athletes and brings them into mainstream sports appreciation.
Why This Victory Matters
1. A Landmark for Differently Abled Athletes
This historic win sends a powerful message — ability is not defined by eyesight but by courage, discipline and teamwork.
2. First-Ever International Tournament for Blind Women
This World Cup marks the beginning of global recognition for visually impaired women in cricket, opening doors for more tournaments, sponsorships, and grassroots programs.
3. Inspirational Role Models
Players like Deepika T C, Ganga Kadam, and Phula Saren are now role models for countless young girls with visual impairments. Their personal journeys reflect perseverance and strong willpower.
4. Turning Inclusion into Reality
The tournament was supported by multiple disability rights organisations, showing how corporate, social, and sporting institutions can work together for inclusivity.
5. A Boost to Blind Cricket in India
This World Cup is expected to lead to:
- More training academies
- Better facilities
- Greater talent scouting
- Increased visibility for women’s disability sports
How Blind Cricket Works (For Readers New to the Format)
- Ball: A special plastic ball with metal bearings that produce sound
- Categories:
- B1: No usable vision
- B2: Limited perception of shapes
- B3: Higher residual vision
- Team composition: Balanced mix of all three categories
- Bowling: Underarm or low-arm with verbal cues like “Play!”
- Batting & fielding: Heavily dependent on sound, coordination and communication
Understanding these basics highlights how skillful and athletic this form of cricket truly is.
National Reactions Pour In
The entire nation — from ministers to former cricketers to fans — congratulated the team:
- Leaders called it a “historic day for Indian sports.”
- Cricket fans compared it to India’s iconic World Cup wins.
- Social media celebrated the players’ journey, stories, and sportsmanship.
This victory has united the country in pride and admiration.
Conclusion
India’s win in the first-ever Blind Women’s T20 World Cup is more than just a sporting achievement — it is a celebration of resilience, equality and human spirit. These women have not only made the country proud but also opened a new chapter for differently abled athletes in India and around the world.
With this victory, they have proved that dreams do not need eyes, only determination.
