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India beat Pakistan to claim first Blind T20 Asia Cup

Ashlyn Brown new author
Roar Rookie
10th February, 2016
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Ashlyn Brown new author
Roar Rookie
10th February, 2016
0

The popularity of cricket is so immense that the game has been adapted to include a diverse section of people, taking into account the limitations and varied skills sets of players.

One of the commendable variations to the game is blind cricket, which has been adapted for visually impaired players.

It is a huge tribute to the human spirit and an incredible instinct to perform regardless of disability.

The World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) has been instrumental in successfully organising the Blind Cricket World Cup between various countries since 1996.

The first Blind T20 Asia Cup was recently held, with Pakistan cruising through the entire tournament to reach the finals. However, they lost to India in an exciting match held at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi on January 22.

India became the proud recipient of the maiden Blind T20 Asia Cup.

There have been some interesting adaptations to facilitate blind cricket.

Firstly, it is imperative to note that not all players are fully blind. The team of 11 is a fixed mix of fully blind (B1 category), partially blind (B2 category), and partially sighted (B3 category) players.

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The cricket ball used in blind cricket has ball bearings that can be heard by the batsmen as well as the fielders, who play the shots or catch the ball when they hear the bearings whirr. It employs the use of ‘sweep shots’ to maximise the number of hits and only underarm bowling is allowed.

Only when the bowler shouts ‘ready’ and the batsman responds with a ‘yes’ is the ball released by the bowler, and that too only after he shouts ‘play’ before releasing the ball.

A ‘no ball’ is called by the umpire if the timing of these calls isn’t right. Every run made by a B1 player is doubled on the scoreboard. B1 players are allowed to catch the ball on one bounce for it to count as an ‘out’.

The excitement a game of cricket induces among people, and the extent to which it unifies humanity in the name of sports, is testament to the popularity of the game.

The 2016 Asia Cup has added to the frenzy of cricket lovers in eagerly anticipating a thrilling series.

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