Cricket is a religion in India. The game is followed ardently by the public and widely covered by the media. Yet, there is a relatively unknown branch of cricket in India – the blind cricket team in India. The efforts of a Bangalore based organisation, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled is largely the reason why blind cricket has survived to tell its tale. “The Indian team, unfortunately, is the only blind cricket team in the world which is not affiliated with its national cricket board. A direct recognition from the ministry and fans will make a huge difference to the team players,” says Mr Mahantesh founder of Samarthanam. The Indian blind cricket team doesn’t come under BCCI’s ambit and the team is sponsored by the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), the sporting wing of Samarthanam. The Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi proudly spoke about the team on his radio programme, Mann Ki Baat after meeting them in 2014, “Met the Indian team that won the Blind Cricket World Cup. I saw their enthusiasm and even I got energy after meeting them.” The team recently won a lot of praises after winning the T20 Asia Cup, defeating Pakistan in Kochi, but the accolades, unfortunately, have not translated into better conditions for the team.

Despite overwhelming odds and lack of funds, the blind cricketers themselves, who primarily come from India’s hinterlands, have the utmost passion for the game and pride in representing the country. “We play to gain confidence; we play to prove that a blind person can do anything. Playing cricket gives us that extra motivation and energy,” confides the former captain Shekhar Naik.

The Indian blind cricket team have dared to dream of the World Cup – in fact, they have lifted the cup in 2012 and 2014. They dream they can lift the World Cup this year too, on their home ground. Their hope lies in the recognition and support from the government and Indian cricket fans. As the secretary of Cricket Association For The Blind (CABI), Mr. Mahantesh puts it, “The team players have to work hard for funds every year. We hope this year we can change that with cricket fans and the government encouraging us.”

We hope the team gets the recognition and support they deserve.