Four Odisha Players in Indian Squad for Inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind
Historic tournament to feature seven nations; matches to be played in New Delhi and Bengaluru
Bhubaneswar: Odisha has made its mark on the cricketing map as four women cricketers from the state have been selected in the 16-member Indian squad for the first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind.
The selected players are Jamuna Rani Tudu, Basanti Hansdah, Parbati Marndi, and Phula Soren, who will don the Indian jersey when the tournament kicks off from November 11 to 25.
The World Cup will witness 21 league matches, two semi-finals, and a grand finale, with participation from Australia, England, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the USA. Matches will be held in New Delhi and Bengaluru, while an alternate venue is being explored for fixtures originally scheduled in Kathmandu due to the situation in Nepal.
Organised by the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), the tournament is hailed as a landmark in promoting inclusivity and recognition for women athletes with disabilities.
CABI Chairman Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar said, “This World Cup is not just a tournament but a celebration of courage, skill, and inclusion. Hosting it in India is a matter of pride, and I am confident our girls will inspire millions and make the nation proud.”
The Indian team enters the tournament on the back of historic success, having clinched gold at the 2023 IBSA World Games, where blind women’s cricket debuted and India triumphed over Australia in the finals.
With Odisha contributing four players across all categories, the state has emerged as a key talent hub for blind women’s cricket in India.
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