Ernakulam (Kerala) [India], January 13, 2025: The grand inauguration of the IndusInd Bank Women’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2025 was held at Durbar Hall Ground on January 12, 2025 at Kochi
The Tournament is organised by Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) and Cricket Association for the Blind in Kerala (CABK), in association with Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled supported by IndusInd Bank.
The inauguration was graced by Shri Hibi George Eden, Member of Parliament, Ernakulum. Guest of honour included –, Shri N.S.K. Umesh (IAS) District collector, Ernakulam, Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, Chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) Founding Managing Trustee, Samarthanam Trust for The Disabled, Mr. Rajanish Henry, Secretary General – World Blind Cricket Council(WBCC), President of the Cricket Association for the Blind in Kerala (CABK). Rev. Jr. John K Jacob administrator, Kerala blind school society, Dr.Bindu Sivasankaran Nair, Management Consultant, Inclusion Advocate and Mentor, Mr Ajay Thampi chairman, Navio shipping Private Limited, Ms Nanditha Ajay – CSR head, Navio shipping, Mr Balakrishnan – UST Centre head Kochi, Ms Susan Paul – Vice President, EXL. The event witnessed a musical performance by famous playback singer Vaikom Vijayalakshmi.
The guest at the event learnt how cricket for the Blind is played through demonstration by the Players. The guest experienced the game to understand Cricket for the Blind. Speaking on the occasion Dr Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar Chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) Founding Managing Trustee, Samarthanam Trust for The Disabled Said “”The IndusInd Bank Women’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind is not just a celebration of cricket but a testament to the resilience and determination of women cricketers with visual impairments. The participation of 19 teams this year reflects the growing popularity of cricket for the blind among women. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to IndusInd Bank for their unwavering support in empowering these athletes and making this event a grand success.”
Mr. Rajanish Henry, Chairman of the Women’s National, stated, ‘I am proud, alongside the Cricket Association for the Blind in Kerala, to be hosting the 5th edition of the Women’s National in Kochi. Let us all come together to support every team and player as they display their cricketing talents to the people of Kochi.’ He also extended his heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors whose contributions made this event possible.”
Shri Hibi Eden, Member of Parliament, Ernakulam, expressed his delight, stating, “This is a truly remarkable event, and I am honoured to be part of the initiatives organized by the Cricket Association for the Blind Kerala. Having closely observed their impactful work over the years, I wholeheartedly support and commend the incredible events conducted by CABK.”
The Ernakulam District Collector Shri N. S. K. Umesh IAS was present at the ceremony, lauded the meticulous planning and execution of the event. He expressed admiration for the efforts by CABK in obtaining permissions, ensuring safety measures, and adhering to the schedule. He also pledged his support for promoting blind cricket in the region.
Earlier during the announcement of the Tournament Mr. Sanjeev Anand, Head – Corporate, Commercial & Rural Banking and also in-charge of IndusInd for Sports, IndusInd Bank had said “At IndusInd Bank, we are proud to champion inclusivity and empower extraordinary talent through platforms like the Women’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind. This tournament is a celebration of determination, resilience and the unstinting spirit of women athletes who inspire us by overcoming challenges and setting new benchmarks through path-breaking achievements in sports. It reflects our commitment for creating opportunities that drive meaningful impact and elevate voices in sports and beyond.”
The 19 participating teams are grouped into 5 groups based on their performances in the previous national tournament. This year, three new teams Vidarbha, Uttar Pradesh & Bihar have been added. Odisha has dominated the tournament, winning the title three times in the last four editions, while Karnataka secured the trophy in 2022. The previous four editions have witnessed Odisha and Karnataka consistently reaching the finals, with Odisha maintaining an upper hand.
The Schedule of Day 1 – January 13, 2025
1
13-01-2025
9:00 AM
Odisha Vs Madhya Pradesh
Tripunithura Palace Oval Ground
2
13-01-2025
9:00 AM
Karnataka Vs Rajasthan
St Paul’s Cricket Ground
3
13-01-2025
9:00 AM
Andhra Pradesh Vs Delhi
Union Christian College Cricket Ground
4
13-01-2025
9:00 AM
Jharkhand Vs Chandigarh
Federal Institute of Science & Technology Cricket Ground
5
13-01-2025
9:00 AM
Kerala Vs Uttar Pradesh
CABK – ALUVA
6
13-01-2025
1:00 PM
West Bengal Vs Assam
Tripunithura Palace Oval Ground
7
13-01-2025
1:00 PM
Gujarat Vs Haryana
St Paul’s Cricket Ground
8
13-01-2025
1:00 PM
Maharashtra Vs Telangana
Union Christian College Cricket Ground
9
13-01-2025
1:00 PM
Bihar Vs Vidarbha
Federal Institute of Science & Technology Cricket Ground