Pakistan and Sri Lanka start strong in T20 Blind Cricket World Cup

  LAHORE: November 23, 2024 ; Nawaz Gohar

The 4th T20 Blind Cricket World Cup 2024, organised by the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC), kicked off with thrilling matches as Pakistan and Sri Lanka claimed victories on the opening day.

At the Ghani Institute Cricket Ground in DHA, Pakistan convincingly defeated South Africa. Batting first after winning the toss, South Africa posted 129 runs for seven wickets in their 20 overs. Lesedi Lesufi scored 24, while Edrich Ter Haa contributed 17. For Pakistan, Babar Ali picked up two wickets.

In reply, Pakistan chased down the target in just 10.3 overs with two wickets down. Opener Naimatullah led the charge with an explosive 59 off 31 balls, including nine fours and a six, while Zafar contributed 33 runs. Talha, a debutant from the B3 category, also featured in the match.

In the second game at Saeed Sports City, Sri Lanka secured a commanding 70-run victory over Nepal. After being invited to bat, Sri Lanka amassed 195 for four in 20 overs.

Opener Damith Sandaruwan smashed the first century of the World Cup, remaining unbeaten on 100, supported by Maduwantha’s 23 runs. Nepal, in response, managed 125 for 8 in their allotted overs. Durga Datta scored 24, while Naresh added 23 to their total.

On Sunday (November 24, 2024), Sri Lanka will face Afghanistan at the Ghani Institute Cricket Ground, while Bangladesh will take on Nepal at Saeed Sports City.

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Fourth T20 Blind Cricket World Cup trophy unveiled in Lahore

Lahore, 22 November 2024: By Nawaz Gohar

The trophy unveiling ceremony for the Fourth T20 Blind Cricket World Cup, organised by the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC), was held at Alhamra Hall No 1.

The event was attended by players and officials from South Africa, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and host nation Pakistan, alongside notable dignitaries including Punjab’s Provincial Minister for Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar, World Blind Cricket Council President Syed Sultan Shah,

Punjab Secretary for Sports Ehsan Bhutta, Director General Punjab Sports Muhammad Khizar Afzal, PCB Senior General Manager Junaid Zia, Pakistan’s first blind judge Yousaf Saleem, and Interloop representative Col Ejaz. The ceremony drew a large audience.

The event began with a recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem. The ahe attendees were shown a documentary on the World Cup, and cultural dances representing the four provinces, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan were performed, which delighted international players, who also joined in the dancing. A special highlight was a performance by Adriana Galani, a blind singer from Austria, who captivated the audience with her rendition of national songs.

Punjab Sports Minister Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar welcomed all participating teams. “Hosting the Fourth T20 Blind Cricket World Cup is a great honor for Pakistan. Sports unite nations and eliminate hate, and this event will project a peaceful and positive image of Pakistan globally.

I hope our national blind cricket team will present the nation with the World Cup victory.” He commended PBCC Chairman Syed Sultan Shah and the organising team for their efforts in successfully hosting the event.

PBCC Chairman Syed Sultan Shah highlighted the transformative impact of cricket on the lives of the blind community, emphasizing Pakistan’s standing as a leading team in blind cricket globally.

He also criticized the Indian Ministry of External Affairs for denying permission to the Indian blind cricket team to participate in the World Cup under the pretext of security concerns, labeling it a clear example of hostility towards sports.

The PBCC chairman assured that Punjab’s government had made foolproof security arrangements for all participating teams and expressed hope that the visiting teams would enjoy playing cricket in Pakistan and the hospitality of Pakistani people as well.

The ceremony concluded with team captains unveiling the trophy alongside the Punjab Sports Minister and PBCC Chairman. Additionally, Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Saleem Akbar Qureshi and Tariq Mahmood for their significant contributions to promoting blind cricket in Pakistan.

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Afghan team arrive in Pakistan to participatin T20 Blind Cricket World CUP

Lahore, 19 November 2024: Nawaz Gohar

Afghanistan’s 18 -member blind cricket team and officials arrive in Torkham Peshawar to participate in the fourth Twenty20 Blind Cricket World Cup. Afghanistan is taking part in the Blind Cricket World Cup for the first time.

The team includes Captain Absin Khan, Sardar Wali, Ghulam Rehman, Abdul Malik, Darwan, Bareli, Zabihullah, Sharafat, Ajmal, Samiullah, Farman, Fahim, Asad, Rohullah, Zahid, Izat, Ehsan Samim.

Sanaullah Khan Marwat is the team Coach, while Dr Shafiq is Physio and Syed Jalal is the Trainer.
Two players of the team will join the team after getting the visa.

Meanwhile, the South African blind cricket team will arrive at Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore on Wednesday, November 20 at 8 am.

The other teams will arrive in Lahore on Thursday, November 21.

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PBCC announces 16-member squad for 4th T20 Blind Cricket World Cup

ISLAMABAD: By Nawaz Gohar

The Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) has announced a 16-member national squad for the 4th T20 Blind Cricket World Cup, set to begin in Pakistan on November 23.

The selection committee, comprising Masood Jan, Muhammad Jameel, and Tahir Mahmood Butt, named the players with the approval of PBCC Chairman Syed Sultan Shah. Nisar Ali will lead the national team, while Badar Munir will serve as vice-captain.

The squad includes players from three categories: B1 category features Zafar Iqbal, Muhammad Idrees Saleem, Muhammad Shahzaib, Fakhar Abbas, Muhammad Asif, and Muhammad Salman. B2 category players are Babar Ali, Nematullah, and Haroon Khan. B3 category includes Muhammad Safdar, Kamran Akhtar, Akmal Hayat Nasir, Talha Iqbal, and Matiullah. The reserve players are Muhammad Ayaz, Moeen Aslam, and Muhammad Rashid.

Team officials include Muhammad Jameel as head coach, Masood Jan as assistant coach, Malik Abrar Hussain as team manager, Naveed Hussain Abbasi as assistant manager, and Tahir Mahmood Butt as trainer.

The Pakistani team will play its opening match against South Africa in Lahore on November 23.

PBCC Chairman Syed Sultan Shah said that the squad includes both seasoned players and promising new talent who have shown outstanding performances in recent domestic tournaments. He expressed hope that the Pakistani team will meet the nation’s expectations in the World Cup.

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