Will Bhubaneswar Be the Epicenter of the Women’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2026 Starting January 17?
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Synopsis
The excitement builds as Bhubaneswar prepares to host the Women’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2026 from January 17-22. With 18 teams competing in a high-stakes championship, this landmark event promises to empower women and showcase cricketing talent like never before!
Key Takeaways
- 18 teams participating in a thrilling tournament.
- Matches from January 17 to 22, culminating in a grand finale.
- Significant cash prizes for winners and outstanding players.
- Highlighting the growth and empowerment of women in cricket.
- Support from IndusInd Bank for promoting women’s cricket.
Bhubaneshwar, Jan 15 (NationPress) The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) in collaboration with the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled is set to organize the Women’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2026 from January 17 to 22 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This exciting tournament will feature 18 teams divided into five pools, all vying for the coveted championship title.
The league matches will kick off on January 17 and will reach their climax with a grand final on January 22. The tournament opening ceremony is scheduled for January 16 at 7:30 PM at the Hi-Tech Medical College Auditorium. The event will be graced by the Hon’ble Minister for Sports of the Government of Odisha, along with notable guests from corporate and political spheres.
Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, Chairman of CABI, stated, “The past year has seen remarkable progress in women’s cricket, and national tournaments are essential for identifying and nurturing new talent for India. The pride stemming from the Indian Women’s Team’s World Cup victory has energized the nation, and all 16 players from that squad are participating in this nationals, representing their states and showcasing their skills.”
“This championship serves as a crucial platform for players to excel and demonstrate their cricketing prowess. The support from IndusInd Bank has been pivotal in advancing women’s cricket for the blind in India, making a significant impact on empowering women and transforming lives through this sport,” he added.
The league phase and quarterfinals will wrap up on January 20, leading to the semi-finals on January 21 for the top four teams, culminating in the grand finale on January 22 at the Hi-Tech Medical College Cricket Ground. A total of 31 matches are scheduled for the IndusInd Bank Women’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2026.
The champions will receive a cash prize of INR 1,50,000, while the runners-up will be awarded INR 1,25,000. Three players from different sight categories will be recognized as Players of the Series with a cash prize of INR 15,000 each. In addition, 31 Players of the Match will each receive INR 5,000, and every player will earn a match fee of INR 1,000 per match,” stated G. Sridhar, Chairman of Women’s Cricket and Treasurer of CABI.
The President of the Cricket Association for the Visually Impaired in Odisha (CAVI), Md. Jafar Iqbal, expressed, “CAVI is thrilled to host 18 women’s teams, marking the first Women’s National Cricket Tournament for the Blind in Odisha. Women’s cricket has significantly evolved, and we take pride in how cricket for the blind continues to empower and uplift women cricketers. I extend my gratitude to the Government of Odisha and the Department of Sports & Youth Services for their unwavering support.”
The 18 teams have been categorized based on their performances in prior national tournaments. This edition marks the 6th Women’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind.
Madhya Pradesh was the champion of the 5th edition, and all eyes will be on the leading teams to determine if a new champion will emerge in the 6th edition of the Women’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2026. Odisha has claimed the title three times in the last five editions, while Karnataka secured the championship in 2022.
The participating teams are divided into the following groups:
Group A: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Kerala
Group B: Karnataka, Jharkhand, Delhi, Gujarat
Group C: Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh
Group D: Maharashtra, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh
Group E: West Bengal, Haryana, Assam
Point of View
I believe this event is not just a tournament; it is a transformative opportunity for women in cricket. The support from various sectors underlines the importance of inclusivity and empowerment in sports, aligning with our commitment to promote such significant initiatives.
NationPress
15/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the Women’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2026 be held?
The tournament will be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
How many teams are participating in the tournament?
A total of 18 teams will be competing in the tournament.
When is the tournament scheduled to take place?
The tournament is scheduled from January 17 to January 22, 2026.
What is the prize money for the winning team?
The winning team will receive a cash prize of INR 1,50,000.
Who is organizing the tournament?
The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) and the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled are organizing the tournament.
