After World Cup triumph, blind cricketers set for better pay and strong BCCI support

On February 21, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), through a press release, announced that it will extend support to the Cricket Association of Blind in India (CABI) to provide structured assistance to visually impaired cricketers and promote the game. The initiative has been widely welcomed, with several stakeholders appreciating the BCCI’s move.The announcement comes after India’s blind women’s cricket team scripted history on November 23, 2025, by winning the inaugural Blind Women’s T20 World Cup, defeating Nepal by seven wickets.Under the initiative, the BCCI will provide support in the following areas:International exposure: Funding international travel for two overseas tournaments annually for both the men’s and women’s teams.Home series support: Providing accommodation for home and visiting teams during bilateral series hosted in India.Venue access: Granting access to BCCI-affiliated stadiums and grounds for domestic and international fixtures to ensure quality playing conditions and professional match environments.
What does this mean for CABI?Speaking to CNBC-TV18, CABI President Mahantesh G K called the initiative historic. He thanked BCCI officials and ICC Chairman Jay Shah, who initiated discussions with CABI during his tenure as BCCI Honorary Secretary.He said CABI had earlier struggled with travel expenses and accommodation for overseas tours and home series. With these costs now covered, the association can focus more on tournaments and development activities.“Along with better infrastructure, this will also help us increase match fees for players, as travel and lodging costs will be offset. Currently, we pay ₹3,000 per match to both men and women. We would like to raise that amount,” Dr. Mahantesh said.He also confirmed that CABI is working on launching a franchise league for visually impaired cricketers and is finalising its blueprint.Players welcome the moveThe World Cup victory marked a turning point for visually impaired players, and this initiative has given them another reason to celebrate.Vice-captain of India’s blind women’s cricket team, Ganga Kadam, told CNBC-TV18 that earlier people had questioned their abilities, but after the World Cup win, they have earned a new identity.“There was a time when people would say, ‘What’s there in cricket? Moreover, you are blind, it won’t pay you anything. Better stop playing and pursue something else.’ But after the World Cup, the same people are praising us. And now, because of BCCI’s support, more opportunities will come our way. We are all very happy and grateful,” she said.The inclusive initiative promises a brighter future for aspiring visually impaired cricketers and their families, many of whom once doubted their talent and potential.

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