What is blind cricket and how is the sport played? All the facts and details

Blind cricket is an incredible way to prove that disability is not inability. This variation of cricket was invented to include the visually impaired and is an excellent way to keep them involved in sporting activities. What does the sport entail? Get all the facts and details in this article.

Blind cricket brings together players who are blind, partially blind, and partially sighted. Since its invention in 1922, the sport has gained global popularity. The sport is yet to be included in the Olympics and Paralympics, but several World Blind Cricket World Cups have been held over the years. How is the sport played, and what are the rules governing it? Keep reading and find out.

Is blind cricket a real sport?

In 1922, two blind factory workers from Melbourne, Australia, invented the game using a tin can containing rocks. Their efforts did not go unnoticed but paved the way for the formation of the Victorian Blind Cricket Association. Six years later, in 1928, the first blind cricket clubhouse was constructed in Kooyong, Melbourne. The world's first test cricket match for the blind was between Pakistan and South Africa in 2000. Pakistan won the game.

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The blind cricket association, known as the World Blind Cricket Council, was established in 1996 during an annual international cricket meeting to administer and promote the sport globally. As of October 2023, 10 countries are members of the council, namely:

• Australia
• Bangladesh
• England
• India
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Sri Lanka
• Pakistan
• West Indies
• Nepal

Most of these countries have local blind cricket associations that help promote the sport in their home countries and facilitate their athletes to be competitive internationally. Additionally, some, like India, have women's teams.

How do you play blind cricket?

If you are wondering how blind cricket is played, adjustments are made to the original game to accommodate blind athletes. The ball is slightly larger than the original one and is filled with ball bearings or washers to provide audio cues for the players. This modification helps the partially blind to see the ball while the blind can hear it, making it easier to follow its movements.

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The wicket is wooden or plastic and is in fluorescent colours like orange and red, and is bigger to help them see it and adjust accordingly while batting. The play area is the same as the traditional cricket game. Besides these adjustments, the general play is the same as a standard cricket game.

How do you score in blind cricket? The batsman generally uses a sweep shot to ensure the best chance of the bat hitting the ball. The field is slightly shorter than in a regular game, facilitating the sweep.

What are the rules of blind cricket?

Just like the play of the game, the rules of blind cricket borrow heavily from traditional cricket but are adjusted to accommodate the visually impaired players. Here are the most common blind cricket rules:

• The 11-man team comprises four totally blind players (B1), three partially blind players (B2), and four partially sighted players (B3).
• A B1 player cannot be declared out by stumping; this can only happen if they are twice LBW (Leg Before Wicket) or catch the ball in one bounce.
• Athletes use verbal cues to communicate on the field. The bowler must shout 'Play' once he releases the ball. When bowled to a B1 batsman, the delivery must pitch at least twice but cannot roll. For a B3 player, it only pitches once.
• Batsmen who are completely blind (B1) cannot be dismissed by being stumped; they must be given out twice for LBW.
• Fielders who are completely blind can take a catch on the bounce.
• The bowler only bowls underarm.

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Blind Cricket World Cup 2023

There are two main blind cricket tournaments: the ODI (One Day International) and T20 (Twenty 20 International) World Cups. The first World Cup was held in 1998, and South Africa took the cup home. In August 2023, the IBSA World Blind Games took place, and Pakistan won the cup. Other World Cup tournaments and their winners are:

• 2002 (Pakistan)
• 2006 (Pakistan)
• 2014 (India)
• 2018 (India)

The first T29 Blind Cricket World Cup took place in 2012 in India, which also won the cup. Two more tournaments were held in 2017 and 2022, with India retaining the top position. The country's blind cricket team captain is Ajay Kumar Reddy, who is classified under the B2 category.

The success and popularity of this sport are proof of inclusivity in the sporting world. These individuals are undoubtedly inspiring to other differently-abled athletes who can now earn a decent living from a noble profession.

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