Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 25: The Siyaram’s National Cricket Tournament For The Blind concluded today with an electrifying final at Hindu Gymkhana, Mumbai, where Gujarat emerged victorious, defeating Goa by 50 runs to claim the championship title. The three-day tournament, hosted in partnership with the Blind Welfare Organisation (BWO), showcased the exceptional skill, determination, and sportsmanship of visually impaired cricketers from across the country.
Gujarat, batting first, set an imposing target of 220/2 in 15 overs, powered by a sensational 107 by Zina Kesari, who remained unbeaten. Goa fought valiantly but was restricted to 170/5, with Gujarat’s bowlers holding their nerve in the final overs to seal the win. Zina Kesari, with a tournament-leading 298 runs and three crucial wickets, was named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series, while Aftab Patel from Goa, the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 5 wickets, played a crucial role for his team. Teams from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Delhi, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh participated, making this edition one of the most competitive in recent years.
Blind cricket follows a unique set of rules designed for fair play and accessibility, with players categorized into B1 (completely blind, must bowl underarm, and have runs doubled), B2 (partially blind with up to 75% vision loss, can bowl overarm with restrictions), and B3 (partially sighted with up to 60% vision loss, following modified bowling and batting rules). The ball contains ball bearings to produce sound, allowing players to track it, and each team must maintain a balanced composition of players across all three categories.
Sharing his thoughts on the grand finale, Mr. Ramesh Poddar, Chairman & Managing Director, Siyaram Silk Mills Ltd., said, “This tournament is more than just a competition; it’s a movement toward inclusivity in sports. Watching these athletes perform at such a high level is truly inspiring. Siyaram’s is honored to be a part of their journey and remains committed to supporting blind cricket in India.” With increasing participation and attention every year, the Siyaram’s National Cricket Tournament For The Blind continues to grow in stature, providing visually impaired athletes with a much-deserved platform to shine.”
The tournament not only provided a stage for these incredible athletes to showcase their talent but also reinforced the growing recognition of blind cricket in India. With each passing year, the competition has been gaining momentum, drawing larger audiences and fostering a deeper understanding of the abilities of visually impaired players. The high standard of matches played this year proves that blind cricket is evolving rapidly, with increased competitiveness and skill levels matching mainstream formats of the game.
If you have any objection to this press release content, kindly contact [email protected] to notify us. We will respond and rectify the situation in the next 24 hours.
