India‘s Blind Women Cricketers Reach World Cup final, Pioneering a New Era for the Sport
KATUNAYAKE, sri Lanka – India’s women’s blind cricket team has reached the final of the inaugural T20 World Cup, defeating Pakistan in a thrilling semi-final match held November 16, 2025, at the BOI Cricket Stadium.The team is now poised to make history as they compete for the championship title in Colombo this Sunday.
This landmark tournament marks a pivotal moment for women’s blind cricket, a rapidly growing sport gaining visibility and challenging societal norms. The World Cup, featuring teams from multiple nations, showcases the talent and determination of visually impaired female athletes and aims to inspire greater participation and acceptance. The semifinals and final are being held in Colombo,with the final set for Sunday.
Phula saren, a key player for India hailing from a tribal community in Odisha, lost vision in her left eye at the age of five. Despite this, she has become a formidable force on the field, demonstrating the skill and dedication that defines the team. Saren was pictured delivering the ball during the India-Pakistan semi-final.
The tournament is being live-streamed on CABI’s YouTube channel and state-run Prasar Bharati platforms, with India’s matches also broadcast on national broadcaster Doordarshan – a important boost in exposure for the sport.
“As more countries field women’s teams, the standard and global footprint for women’s blind cricket will rise quickly,” said Mr. Mahantesh, a representative of the organizing body.
Coach Shetty believes increased visibility will be transformative. “Now that people have watched these matches on livestreams and seen these women perform, families will feel more confident about allowing their daughters to play.It will not feel like an unknown path anymore.”
