The highly anticipated T20 Blind World Cup is set to take place in Pakistan from November 20 to December 3, with the final match falling on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The World Blind Cricket Ltd. (WBCL) President, Syed Sultan Shah, presided over the 25th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Dubai, when a crucial decision was made. Discussions aiming at raising the bar for blind cricket worldwide were held during the AGM.
Eight Full Member nations were represented, including cricketing giants Australia, England, West Indies, South Africa, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. All other countries have confirmed they will be competing in the highly anticipated World Cup, with the exception of Australia.
Amendments to the blind cricket rules, which were overwhelmingly agreed to bring them into compliance with the MCC Laws of October 2022, were central to the talks at the AGM. The aforementioned modifications are scheduled to take effect on March 1, 2024, with the objective of guaranteeing uniformity and equity in blind cricket matches across the globe.
A major contribution to the discussion came from Matthew Kennedy, the manager of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Global Development, who outlined the ICC’s strategy objectives to incorporate blind cricket into its larger goal of gaining 30 million new fans by 2030. This deliberate inclusion highlights how blind cricket is becoming more and more recognised as a significant aspect of the international cricket scene.
In addition, at the AGM, the WBC Technical Committee received a very important mission. They are required to perform a thorough analysis and comparison between the current WBC form and the IBSA eyesight evaluation form in order to suggest any necessary alterations or revisions. This proactive measure demonstrates the WBCL’s dedication to upholding the fairness and inclusivity of blind cricket at all competition levels.
Pakistan is well-positioned to host a historic event that will honor the game of cricket and showcase the abilities and skills of visually impaired sportsmen on a worldwide scale, as plans for the T20 Blind World Cup pick up steam.
I am a dedicated student currently in my seventh semester, pursuing a degree in International Relations. Alongside my academic pursuits, I am actively engaged in the professional field as a content writer at the Rangeinn website.