BLIND CRICKET

It is a version of sport cricket adapted for the blind and partially sighted players. It has been governed by World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) since 1996. So far, five blind world cups have been held, New Delhi; India (1998); Chennai, India (2002); Islamabad, Pakistan (2006); South Africa (2014) and Pakistan (2018). Blind Cricket was introduced in Melbourne in 1992 by two blind factory workers who improvised the game using a tin can be containing rocks. The Victorian Blind Cricket Association was founded shortly in 1992 and first sports ground and club house for Blind Cricket was built in Melbourne in 1928. World’s first Cricket match for the blind players was played between Pakistan & South Africa in which Pakistan defeated South Africa by 94 runs in 2000. South Africa won first BCWC in 1998 defeating Pakistan the finals, while Pakistan won next two BCWC defeating South Africa and India in finals 2002 & 2006 respectively. The rules of blind cricket are based on standard laws of cricket with some essential notifications. There are total 11 players in each team, at least four players are totally blind (classified as B1) and three partially blind players (B2) and up to four partially sighted players (B3). As far as equipment are concerned, the major adoption is the ball, which is significantly larger than a standard cricket ball filled with the ball bearing to provide audible clues. Other modifications to the rules include verbal signals which are widely used by umpires and players: particularly the bowler must shout “Play! “as he release the ball. Another important thing is that totally blind batsman cannot be out due to being stumped and must be found to be LBW before going out.

 Mariam Asad VII Maroon