India Triumphs in Inaugural Blind T20 Women's World Cup, Securing Historic Title in Colombo

The Indian women's blind cricket team has etched its name in history, clinching the inaugural Blind T20 Women's World Cup title after a commanding seven-wicket victory over Nepal in the final held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Sunday, November 23, 2025. This monumental win marks a significant milestone for women's cricket and inclusivity in sports, as reported by The Hindu.

India's triumph was the culmination of an unbeaten campaign throughout the tournament, showcasing exceptional skill and dominance against all participating nations. The team's consistent performance underscored their preparation and determination on the global stage, as highlighted by Telangana Today.

In the final match at the P. Saravanamuttu Stadium, India successfully chased down Nepal's target of 114 runs for five wickets, reaching 117 for three in just 12.1 overs. Phula Saren emerged as the standout performer for India, scoring an unbeaten 44 runs off 27 deliveries, according to Arab News.

The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, commenced on November 11, 2025, featuring six nations: Australia, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the United States. This pioneering event provided a crucial platform for visually impaired women cricketers to demonstrate their talent and resilience, as noted by NDTV Profit.

Nepal, who had secured their spot in the final by defeating Pakistan in a closely contested semi-final, put up a valiant effort but ultimately could not overcome India's formidable form. Their journey to the final was a testament to their growing prowess in blind cricket, Onecricket reported.

The victory not only celebrates India's sporting achievement but also sends a powerful message about empowerment and breaking barriers for women with visual impairments. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, during the trophy presentation, emphasized that the World Cup was a collective statement about access, equity, and the increasing participation of women in sport, according to yahoo News Singapore.

This historic win is expected to inspire countless visually impaired girls and women across India and beyond, encouraging them to pursue their sporting dreams and challenging societal perceptions about disability. The tournament's visibility has been crucial in this regard, as stated by the Indian team's manager, Shika Shetty, to AFP.

• Background and Historical Context of Blind Cricket: Blind cricket, a modified version of the traditional sport, has been governed globally by the World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) since its establishment in 1996. The sport aims to provide visually impaired individuals with a platform to showcase their talents, with India playing a significant role in its development, including hosting the first Blind Cricket World Cup in 1998.

• Tournament Structure and Participating Teams: The inaugural Blind T20 Women's World Cup featured a round-robin format among six teams: India, Nepal, Australia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the United States. Matches were initially held in New Delhi and Bengaluru, India, before the knockout stages, including the semi-finals and final, moved to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

• Key Rules and Adaptations in Blind Cricket: Blind cricket employs specific rules to accommodate players with varying degrees of visual impairment. A larger white plastic ball filled with ball bearings produces an audible rattle, allowing players to locate it. Bowling is underarm and must bounce at least twice, and verbal cues like "play!" are mandatory from the bowler.

• Player Classification and Scoring Modifications: Players are categorized into B1 (totally blind), B2 (partially blind), and B3 (partially sighted) based on their vision. Each team must include a mix of these categories. Notably, any runs scored by a B1 player are counted as double, and B1 players may use a runner while batting, as detailed by SuperSport.

• India's Dominant Performance and Road to Victory: India maintained an impeccable record throughout the tournament, winning all their league matches convincingly. Their journey included significant victories over Sri Lanka, Australia, Nepal, the United States, and Pakistan, culminating in a nine-wicket win against Australia in the semi-final before the final showdown with Nepal.

• Social and Empowering Implications of the Tournament: This World Cup transcends mere competition, serving as a powerful symbol of social inclusion and empowerment for visually impaired women. It challenges gender biases and provides a safe, inclusive space for leadership, confidence, and self-discovery, helping women gain recognition and become role models, according to the World Blind Cricket Council.

• Sportsmanship Amidst Geopolitical Tensions: A remarkable display of sportsmanship occurred when the Indian and Pakistani women's blind cricket teams shook hands after their league match, despite recent political tensions between their sighted counterparts. This act highlighted the unifying power of sport and earned widespread praise, as reported by cricexec Staff.

• Role of Organizations in Promoting Blind Cricket: The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), affiliated with the WBCC and an initiative of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, has been instrumental in organizing and developing blind cricket in India. CABI's efforts include conducting national tournaments and fostering an ecosystem for visually impaired cricketers, as outlined by CABI's official website.