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Nepal Violent Protest Forces Women’s Blind T20 World Cup To Find New Home

Akshita Patel

Nepal protests threaten Women T20 Blind World Cup [Source: @Muneeb313_, @chandangoopta/X.com]Nepal protests threaten Women T20 Blind World Cup [Source: @Muneeb313_, @chandangoopta/X.com]

The inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind has been hit by unexpected political unrest in Nepal. Originally, Kathmandu was chosen as the neutral venue to host matches involving Pakistan, but the ongoing turmoil has forced organisers to look for an alternative location.

The tournament will take place from November 11 to 25, featuring seven teams, Australia, England, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the USA. 

The main matches are set to be hosted in New Delhi and Bengaluru, but Pakistan’s fixtures were initially planned for Kathmandu due to political sensitivities between India and Pakistan.

Kathmandu To Lose Blind World Cup Hosting Rights

According to PTI, since Nepal has been rocked by violent protests against the government, the Women’s T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind could be shifted out of Kathmandu. 

The unrest has left over 30 people dead and more than 1,000 injured, eventually leading to the resignation of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli. 

A curfew has also been enforced in the Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur districts, and it is not safe to host international matches. The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) confirmed the change, saying an alternative venue is being discussed.

The India-Pakistan angle has added more complexity. After the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government has prohibited bilateral sports engagements with Pakistan. 

While Pakistani athletes can still take part in multilateral tournaments, the team has avoided travelling to India, making a neutral venue necessary.

India To Feature In Historic Blind T20 World Cup

Despite the uncertainty, the Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind promises to be a historic event, with 21 league games, two semi-finals, and a final lined up. The vibe is especially exciting for Team India, which has declared its 16-member team after a countrywide selection procedure.

The team will be led by Deepika T C (captain) and Ganga S Kadam (vice-captain), both celebrated for their leadership and past performances. 

This group of visually impaired athletes has already made history, winning gold at the 2023 IBSA World Games, where cricket for the blind debuted. India had beaten Australia in the final, setting the stage for more glory in this World Cup.