Champions Receive Grand Welcome at BCCI
The World Cup-winning Indian Blind Women's Cricket Team received a warm reception at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) headquarters in Mumbai on December 19, 2025. The team was felicitated by top BCCI officials for their historic triumph in the inaugural Women's T20 World Cup for the Blind, marking a significant moment for the sport in India.
Historic Triumph in Inaugural World Cup
The Indian team clinched the inaugural Women's T20 World Cup for the Blind on November 23, 2025, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Playing at the P Sara Oval, India defeated Nepal by a convincing seven wickets. The team showcased a dominant performance throughout the tournament, maintaining an unbeaten record. In the final match, India successfully chased Nepal's target of 115 runs, reaching 117 for 3 in just 12.1 overs. Phula Saren was a standout performer in the final, scoring 44 runs off 27 balls. The tournament was co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with matches also held in Delhi and Bengaluru. The team was led by captain Deepika TC.
BCCI Officials Laud Team's Resilience and Success
During their visit to the BCCI headquarters, Honorary Treasurer Raghuram Bhat welcomed the players and extended congratulations on behalf of the board. Other prominent officials, including BCCI President Mithun Manhas, Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia, Vice-President Rajeev Shukla, and Honorary Joint Secretary Prabhtej Singh Bhatia, also lauded the team's exceptional performance and resilience. Secretary Devajit Saikia addressed the team virtually, assuring them of the board's continued backing, which includes providing playing kits and travel support for future tours. This commitment underscores the BCCI's recognition of the team's groundbreaking success.
A Landmark Moment for Indian Cricket
The victory has been widely celebrated as a landmark moment and a significant chapter in Indian cricket history. BCCI President Mithun Manhas stated, 'This is a landmark moment for the blind women's cricket team and a moment which the entire nation can be proud of. Keep soaring greater heights.' Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia added, 'India women's cricket is in a special phase right now, wherein Harmanpreet and Team lifted the ICC Women's World Cup and Deepika TC won the inaugural Women's T20 World Cup for the Blind. It has been a great effort from Deepika and her team and I would like to congratulate them for their brilliant run in the tournament.' Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also commended the team's achievement on his radio show 'Mann Ki Baat', highlighting their unbeaten run and inspiring victory. The felicitation at the BCCI headquarters further solidifies the national recognition and support for these inspiring athletes.
5 Comments
Stan Marsh
Their victory is incredibly inspiring and highlights the talent in blind cricket. While the felicitation is good, we need to ensure disability sports receive equitable resources and media coverage compared to other sports year-round.
Kyle Broflovski
This is fantastic news! What an inspiration for everyone.
Eric Cartman
The team's achievement is truly remarkable and deserves all the praise it's getting. But let's not forget the systemic challenges these athletes face daily; this celebration should be a catalyst for deeper, more impactful changes.
Stan Marsh
Still nowhere near the recognition or funding of mainstream cricket. More needs to be done.
paracelsus
It's fantastic that the Prime Minister and BCCI officials have lauded their success, showcasing national pride. Still, consistent high-level engagement and financial backing for all para-sports are essential to truly empower these athletes beyond a single victory.