Pune to host National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Visually Impaired with support from HCL Foundation

The tournament provides a national platform for visually impaired cricketers to showcase their talent while fostering inclusive sports across communities. A total of eight teams — representing Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Punjab — are competing in the tournament, with matches held at Deccan Gymkhana Ground and Tembekar Ground, Padmavati.

HCLFoundation’s Sports for Change initiative empowers young athletes from underserved communities, alongside dedicated assistance for Indian para‑athletes through equipment and fellowship programs. The initiative has reached over 64,000 athletes to date, with 25 para‑athletes representing India internationally, and nearly ₹2 crore invested in para sports.

“For the past decade, Sports for Change has enabled inclusive sports pathways across India, with strong focus on gender inclusion, grassroots development and elite coaching. The T20 tournament reiterates our belief in the power of sports to expand access, unlock potential and uphold dignity and excellence,” said Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Director, HCL Foundation.

Rajesh Shah , President, The Poona Blind Men’s Association said that over the years, the Blind Cricket Association, in partnership with The Poona Blind Men’s Association, has consistently championed the cause of inclusive sports, providing athletes with visual impairments opportunities for competitive participation across India.

Ravi Wagh, President, Cricket Association for the Blind in India informed that the tournament will begin on February 15 with an inauguration ceremony, followed by a special exhibition match featuring visually impaired school going girls. League matches will take place from February 16 to 18, while the final match and prize distribution ceremony will be held on February 19 at Deccan Gymkhana Ground.

Launched in 2011 as a state-level event in Pune, the T20 Blind Cricket Tournament has grown into a nationally recognized platform, hosting major state, national and international matches, including World Cup league matches and national team selections.

All participating players will be provided with accommodation, meals, travel support, medical support, sports kits and local transport during the tournament.

Rules of the game

Blind cricket uses a plastic ball with metal bearings that jingle, and players are grouped by sight: B1 (fully blind), B2 (partially blind), and B3 (partially sighted), Teams must field a mix of all three. The ball is bowled underarm along the ground. B1 batters use runners for safety, and each run they score counts as two. Verbal clues helps the batsmen get ready.