Islamabad, Feb 26: In a significant move to promote inclusivity in sports, the Australian High Commission, in collaboration with the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) and Serena Hotels, supported a national blind women’s cricket training camp and tournament in Islamabad. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from women and girls across Pakistan, further strengthening the country’s commitment to empowering visually impaired athletes.
The initiative builds upon the historic formation of Pakistan’s first blind women’s cricket team in 2018, which played its inaugural international T20 match the same year. This year, 50 additional visually impaired women and girls had the opportunity to enhance their cricketing skills, pursue their passion for the sport, and challenge societal barriers.
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Speaking at the awards ceremony, Australia’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Neil Hawkins, emphasized the role of sports diplomacy in fostering connections and empowering communities. “Cricket is a powerful force for connection and inclusion. It opens doors for women and girls in Pakistan and Australia, including for those with disabilities, challenging perceptions and breaking barriers,” he stated.
Chairman of the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council, Syed Sultan Shah, lauded the initiative and its positive impact on visually impaired athletes. “Blind cricket has become a beacon of hope. It’s more than just a game—it’s a statement that no disability can hold you back. With the right support, these women can be champions in sport and in life,” he remarked.
The players received expert coaching from some of Pakistan’s finest blind cricket mentors, including Abdul Razzaq, Ibrar Shah, Shahida Shaheen, and Tahir Mehmood Butt. These trainers have a proven track record of nurturing world-class athletes, further elevating Pakistan’s status in blind cricket.
Australia has been a longstanding supporter of blind cricket, a sport that originated in Melbourne in 1922 when visually impaired factory workers improvised by placing rocks inside a tin can to create a ball. This legacy of innovation and inclusivity continues to inspire and shape the future of blind cricket worldwide.
