Pakistan is gearing up to host the much-anticipated T20 Blind World Cup, scheduled to kick off on November 20 and culminate with the final match on December 3, coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
This significant decision was reached during the 25th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the World Blind Cricket Ltd (WBCL) in Dubai, presided over by Syed Sultan Shah, the President of WBCL. The AGM served as a platform for discussions aimed at elevating the standard of blind cricket on a global scale.
Representatives from eight Full Member countries, including cricket powerhouses like Australia, England, West Indies, South Africa, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, were in attendance. With the exception of Australia, all other nations have affirmed their participation in the prestigious World Cup event.
Integral to the discussions at the AGM were amendments to the rules governing blind cricket, which were unanimously approved to align them with the MCC Laws of October 2022. These revisions are set to be implemented starting from March 1, 2024, with the aim of ensuring consistency and fairness across blind cricket matches worldwide.
Matthew Kennedy, the manager of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Global Development, made a significant contribution to the meeting by outlining ICC’s strategic plans to integrate blind cricket into its overarching vision of attracting 30 million new fans by the year 2030. This strategic inclusion underscores the growing recognition and importance of blind cricket on the international cricketing landscape.
Moreover, the WBC Technical Committee was tasked with a crucial assignment during the AGM. They are mandated to conduct a comprehensive review and comparison of the IBSA eyesight assessment form with the existing WBC form, with a view to recommending any necessary adjustments or amendments. This proactive step reflects the commitment of the WBCL to ensuring the integrity and inclusivity of blind cricket at all levels of the game.
As preparations for the T20 Blind World Cup gain momentum, Pakistan stands poised to host a landmark event that not only celebrates the spirit of cricket but also highlights the talents and capabilities of visually impaired athletes on a global stage.
