The launch event was graced by Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, Chairman of the CABI and Founder & Managing Trustee of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, alongside CABI officials, the team’s Captain and Vice-Captain, and Ms. Matilda Lobo, Executive Vice President & Head – Corporate Social Responsibility, Ms Meenakshi Lekhi – Chair, Women’s T20 World Cup – Cricket for the Blind, 2025 IndusInd Bank, Ms H.E. Mahishini Colonne High Commissioner Sri Lanka High Commissioner to India  the official supporters of Team India.

IndusInd Bank has been a proud supporter of blind cricket for over a decade, consistently championing initiatives that promote inclusivity and empowerment through sports. Bank’s long-standing association with the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) reflects deep commitment to creating equal opportunities for visually impaired athletes through their CSR initiative.

The unveiling of the jersey marked a moment of immense pride as the Indian squad gears up to represent the nation in the world’s first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind. The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will be played across New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Colombo from November 11–23, 2025, featuring seven participating countries- Australia, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the USA.

Ms. Matilda Lobo, Executive Vice President & Head – Corporate Social Responsibility, IndusInd Bank said “At IndusInd Bank, we believe in the power of sport to transform lives and foster inclusion. Supporting the Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind is not just about the sport—it’s about celebrating courage, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of these athletes. The team jersey resonates this ethos, and we are proud to stand alongside these remarkable women as they break barriers and inspire a new generation.”

Speaking on the occasion, CABI chairman Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar said, “This is a moment of great pride not just for CABI but for the entire nation. These women have shown immense determination and resilience to reach this stage. The jersey symbolizes their hard work, unity, and the spirit of inclusivity that this World Cup (Cricket for the Blind) represents. I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to IndusInd Bank for their continued support and belief in the vision of empowering visually impaired athletes.”

“It’s a dream come true to wear the jersey and represent India at the T20 Women’s World Cup for the Blind.” said the Captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team for the Blind – Ms Deepika T. C. “It is my privilege and honor to lead the team in the first ever World Cup. I played the IBSA World Games and was part of the winning squad.  We have all grown over the years from where we started, and the entire team knows how important this World Cup to all of us is individually and in promoting cricket for the blind in India. We have worked hard to be here and will continue to be humble on and off the field to strive better. Thank you, IndusInd Bank, for supporting us in our journey of transformation.”

Addressing the Media Ms Meenakshi Lekhi – Chair, Women’s T20 World Cup – Cricket for the Blind, 2025 expressed “I have been associated with the cause of Specially Abled Blind persons for more than three decades and Cricket Association for the Blind in India and the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled for over a decade. During this journey, I have witnessed the unwavering passion and commitment of players and officials striving to bring glory to our nation. The launch of Dream Cricket for Women marks an inspiring new chapter, and I am truly delighted to be part of this remarkable initiative — not only in supporting the organizers but also in celebrating the incredible women athletes whose dedication, hard work, and success inspire us all. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the participating teams in this inaugural World Cup. May this event serve as a beacon of hope, reminding us that with perseverance and determination, the sky is truly the limit for our dreams. Special abilities are no deterrence to our shared aspirations, let us fructify all those aspirations including winning a World Cup in cricket for India”

Speaking at the occasion, H.E. Mahishini Colonne, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India said “Cricket holds a very special place in the hearts of both Indians and Sri Lankans, and the upcoming World Cup is set to be a truly significant event for fans across the region. For us, it’s also a meaningful opportunity to raise awareness about the abilities of visually impaired individuals and to highlight that no challenge can hold them back. As Ms Meenakshi Lekhi rightly said, it’s about focusing on ability, not disability. I’m confident that the people of Sri Lanka are just as excited and enthusiastic about the World Cup as everyone here.”

A total of Six Countries will participate in the inaugural World Cup. Australia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, United States of America and the host India.  Five participating teams are scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on November 10, ahead of the grand inauguration ceremony on November 11 at Modern School Barakhambaa New Delhi. The tournament will feature 15 league matches, two semi-finals, and a grand finale. Pakistan will play all the matches at the neutral venue at Colombo Sri Lanka.

CABI, the cricketing arm of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, is the proud organizer of this landmark World Cup, reflecting India’s leadership in creating equitable platforms for athletes with disabilities, especially women.

India’s Squad List:

B1 Category: Simu Das, P. Karuna Kumari, Anu Kumari, Jamuna Rani Tudu, Kavya V

B2 Category: Anekha Devi, Basanti Hansdah, Simranjeet Kour, Sunita Sarathe, Parbati Marndi

B3 Category: Deepika T C (Captain), Phula Soren, Ganga S Kadam (Vice –Captain) , Kavya N R, Sushma Patel, Durga Yevle

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Bengaluru, 12th September 2024 – The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced accessibly priced match tickets starting from just five Dirhams and free entry for those under 18, as part of an initiative to leave a legacy of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, the first global women’s cricket event to be held in the region.

ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice, who made the announcement at a media conference that he addressed along with Emirates Cricket Board’s (ECB) Board Member Zaid Abbas, also praised the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a venue.

“One of the exciting things about the UAE is its diversity. It’s a place where the entire world is represented! This means that this is effectively a home World Cup for all 10 teams and players can enjoy the support of passionate fans. With that in mind, I’m delighted to announce today that tickets will be available from just five dirhams and under 18s will go free.

“We will also be working with the ECB and the Dubai Sports Council on the legacy of the event. We will be holding criio festivals to give more than 500 girls the chance to get involved in the game and have a fun first experience of cricket,” said Allardice, who thanked the ECB for hosting the tournament after it was moved from Bangladesh.

“I would like to thank the ECB and our friends at the Dubai Sports Council as well as the teams at the Dubai International Stadium and Sharjah Cricket Stadium for their extraordinary efforts,” added Allardice,

who also released a video of a spectacular laser show on the tournament at the iconic Burj Khalifa.

ECB Board Member Zaid Abbas said they were looking forward to working closely with the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

“The Emirates Cricket Board is delighted to stage the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE. The Emirates Cricket Board has rich experience and the proven pedigree of hosting top-class cricket, and we are once again ready to deliver another world-class event.

“The tournament will see the best women cricketers from around the world compete for the biggest prize in the T20 format. We are set to witness thrilling contests and brilliant individual and team performances in Dubai and Sharjah during the course of the event.

“The ECB would work closely with all stakeholders including the International Cricket Council and the Bangladesh Cricket Board to ensure that the participants and fans have a memorable time during their stay in the country.”

The 10-team tournament, being held from 3-20 October, will see a champion team emerge after 23 matches spread across the 18 days.

The 20 league matches will be split between Dubai and Sharjah with the semi-finals slated for 17 October in Dubai and 18 October in Sharjah. The final will be played in Dubai.

Group A includes six-time champions Australia, along with India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, while Group B comprises Bangladesh, England, South Africa, West Indies, and Scotland.

The post ICC ANNOUNCES ACCESSIBLY PRICED TICKETS FOR WOMEN’S T20 WORLD CUP appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.