Women's National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind Set to Kick Off in Kochi

Ernakulam (Kerala), Jan 9 (NationPress) A total of 19 teams from across the nation will compete in the Women's National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2025 starting January 13. This event is a collaborative effort between the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) and the Cricket Association for the Blind in Kerala (CABK), in partnership with the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, Bengaluru.

The participating 19 teams will be organized into five groups, with the league stage kicking off on January 13. Teams have been grouped based on their performances from the previous national tournament. Notably, three new teams—Vidarbha, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar—will join the competition this year.

The league stage alongside the quarterfinals will wrap up on January 16, while the semifinals are scheduled for January 17, where the top four teams will vie for two spots in the final. The grand finale will take place on January 18 at the Palace Oval, Kochi. In total, 34 matches will unfold during this tournament.

Odisha has been a dominant force in this tournament, having won the title three times in the last four editions, with Karnataka claiming the trophy in 2022. The past four editions have seen both Odisha and Karnataka consistently reaching the finals, with Odisha holding the advantage.

Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, Chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), remarked, "The Women's National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind is not merely a cricketing event but a celebration of the resilience and determination of women cricketers with visual impairments.

"Each edition of this tournament inspires us as we witness extraordinary talent breaking barriers and redefining possibilities. We are excited to have 19 teams participating this year, showcasing the growing popularity of cricket for blind women. Our heartfelt thanks go to IndusInd Bank for their unwavering support in empowering these athletes and ensuring the success of this event,” he added.

On this occasion, Minu Mani, the first woman cricketer from Kerala to represent India, was announced as the Event Ambassador, while Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of the India women's team, continues her role as the Goodwill Ambassador for Women’s Cricket.

Expressing her excitement, Minu Mani stated, "It is a profound honour to serve as the Event Ambassador for the IndusInd Bank Women's National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2025. This tournament transcends the boundaries of the game, and I am eager to stand by and celebrate these remarkable players as they redefine possibilities and inspire us all on this extraordinary stage."

The grand inauguration ceremony is set for January 12 at Durbar Hall Ground, Ernakulam. Dr. R. Bindu, Minister for Higher Education & Social Justice, will be the chief guest, accompanied by other esteemed guests. A musical evening featuring Vaikom Vijayalakshmi is scheduled to enhance the event's memorability.

Groupings:

Group A: Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal & Assam

Group B: Karnataka, Rajasthan, Gujarat & Haryana

Group C: Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra & Telangana

Group D: Jharkhand, Chandigarh, Bihar & Vidarbha

Group E: Kerala, Tamil Nadu & Uttar Pradesh