The Sri Lankan Women’s visually handicapped cricket team is all set to participate in the inaugural Blind Women’s Cricket World Cup which kick starts today (11) in India with the series scheduled to head to Sri Lanka from the 15-23 of this month. The team, comprising a majority of players from the University of Colombo, is determined to make a mark in the international arena despite facing numerous challenges, including a lack of proper equipment and facilities.

Sri Lanka and India are co-hosting the Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup for the Blind, a first of its kind from 11-23 November. This inaugural tournament is organised by the Sri Lanka Cricket Association for the Visually Handicapped (S.L.C.A.V.H) along with Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI). 

Seven national outfits are taking part in this historic tourney. The teams are Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Australia, England, Nepal and the United States of America. The opening ceremony is happening today, followed by five matches in New Delhi until 13 November. Later on, Bengaluru will host games from 14-16 November. After that attention will shift to Sri Lanka with fifteen matches to be held from 14-23 November. The tournament consists of 24 matches, including 21 league games in the opening round.

The World Blind Cricket Council was established in 1996, and Sri Lanka has been a regular participant in the tournament since its inception. The men’s team has been performing well, ranking third in the world in both T20 and ODI formats.

However, the women’s team is facing significant hurdles, including a lack of funding and support. The team is currently using equipment borrowed from the men’s team, which is not suitable for the women’s game.

The team’s coach, Nilanka Kandegama, volunteers his time to train the team, and the team’s captain, Chandana Sooriarachchi, leads the team with dedication and passion.

Despite the challenges, the team is determined to make a success of their campaign and bring pride to the country. The team’s participation in the World Cup is a significant opportunity for Sri Lanka to showcase its commitment to promoting disability sports.

The University of Colombo has played a crucial role in supporting the team, providing them with access to facilities and resources. The university’s efforts in promoting disability sports are commendable, and it is hoped the team’s participation in the World Cup will inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

The Sri Lanka Cricket Association of the Visually Handicapped (S.L.C.A.V.H) or commonly known as the Blind Cricket Association of Sri Lanka is appealing for support and funding to help the team prepare for the World Cup. The association is also seeking to register with the Ministry of Sports to gain recognition and support for the sport.

The team’s journey to the World Cup is an inspiring story of determination and resilience, and it is hoped that their participation will mark a turning point in the development of disability sports in Sri Lanka.

The Daily Morning spoke to the team in general to get an overall view of the current situation before they headed off to play their historic tournament and set a new benchmark in the world of cricket.

World Cup Preparation and Team Ethos – Can you tell us about the Sri Lankan Team and its preparation for the upcoming World Cup?

The team is currently in a phase of intensive and tireless preparation for the World Cup, which is scheduled to begin this Saturday (15). The players view this inaugural tournament as a great opportunity to showcase their skills and make a significant mark on the international stage.

• Dedicated Training: The squad is working hard to fine-tune their individual skills and team strategies, focusing rigorously on batting, bowling, and fielding techniques.
• Coaching Leadership: Coach Nilanka Kandegama has been instrumental in this preparation, volunteering his time and expertise to guide the team. His technical and strategic instruction is critical to the team’s confidence and competitive readiness.
• Talented Core: The team’s foundation is strong, with seven of the players being students from the University of Colombo, highlighting the institution’s role as a key talent hub.

Formation: From Idea to National Team – How did the team come together, and what’s the story behind its formation?

The formation of the national team is an incredible story of rapid organisation driven by the potential of the World Cup. Just two months ago, a formal national team or squad for visually impaired women did not exist.

• The Catalyst: The momentum behind the idea of a Visually Impaired Women’s Cricket World Cup spurred the realisation that a national team was necessary for Sri Lanka to participate.
• Quick Mobilisation: An immediate process was initiated to call for and select visually impaired cricketers, culminating in the formation of the current squad.
• The University of Colombo’s Role: The University of Colombo has been a monumental source of support, providing most of the initial players. This foundation was laid four years prior by Professor Samantha Nanayakkara, who had the vision to introduce the visually impaired students – previously limited mostly to academic pursuits – to sports, thereby giving them a chance to take a significant leap forward in their lives.

Overcoming Challenges and Seeking Support - Can you tell us about the challenges you face as a team, and how you’re overcoming them?

The team faces considerable practical difficulties, underscoring their commitment and resourcefulness in the face of adversity.

• Equipment and Facilities: A major challenge is the lack of proper equipment and dedicated facilities. The team is currently relying on equipment borrowed from the men’s team, which is not ideally suited for their needs.
• Volunteer Dedication: Despite this, they are managing with the minimal resources they possess. This effort is buttressed by the selflessness of individuals like coach Nilanka Kandegama, who volunteers his time.
• Leadership and Management: The strength of the organisation lies in the commitment of its leaders. Chandana Suriarachchi, former captain of the visually impaired men’s team for two decades, now serves as the Secretary of the Association. He is described as a great source of strength to the President, effectively managing with minimum facilities to the fullest and ensuring all activities continue.

History and Rules of Blind Cricket in Sri Lanka – What’s the history of blind cricket in Sri Lanka, and how has it evolved over the years?

Blind cricket has a long-standing history in the country:

• Inception: The sport has been present in Sri Lanka since 1996, aligning with the establishment of the World Blind Cricket Association.
• Men’s Success: The men’s team has participated in the World Cup since its inception and achieved notable success, including ranking third in the world. This history sets an inspiring precedent for the women’s team.

Can you tell us about the different categories of players in blind cricket?

There are three categories of players: B1, B2, and B3. B1 players are fully visually impaired, B2 players have low vision, and B3 players have slightly more vision. We wear armbands to identify our categories, with B1 players wearing white, B2 players wearing red, and B3 players wearing blue.

What are the specific rules for B1 players?

To ensure B1 players, who are fully visually impaired, have a fair chance to contribute, special opportunities are integrated into the rules:

• Double Runs: They are awarded 2 runs for every run scored.
• Fielding Advantage: If a B1 player fields a ball that lands only once, it is counted as a catch.
• Runner Requirement: It is mandatory for B1 players to use a team member to run between the wickets.

What are the plans for the future development of blind cricket in Sri Lanka?

The long-term vision is ambitious and focused on growth and professionalisation:

• Association Registration: A key goal is to register the association with the Ministry of Sports to gain necessary official recognition and government support.
• National Academy: Plans are underway to establish a national blind cricket academy to provide consistent, high-quality training and support for aspiring and current players.
• Local Tournaments: Holding local tournaments is vital to promote the game and expand opportunities for more visually impaired individuals to participate.

Impact and a Call for Global support – How do you think the World Cup will impact the development of blind cricket in Sri Lanka?

The World Cup is seen as a transformational event that will:

• Showcase Skills: Provide a global platform for the players to demonstrate their abilities.
• Promote the Sport: Significantly raise the profile and awareness of blind cricket within Sri Lanka.
• Inspire Future Generations: Encourage more visually impaired individuals to take up the game.
• Develop the Sport: Provide a strong foundation and impetus to further develop the necessary infrastructure and programmes.

What message do you have for the fans and supporters of blind cricket in Sri Lanka?

The team deeply appreciates the local support. We’d like to thank our fans and supporters for their encouragement and enthusiasm. We’re proud to represent Sri Lanka on the international stage, and we’re committed to making a difference in the world of blind cricket.

How do you think the international community can support the development of blind cricket in Sri Lanka?

International assistance is considered crucial for sustainable growth:

• Tournament Participation: Providing the team with more opportunities to participate in international tournaments and events.
• Guidance and Support: Offering guidance, expertise, and resources to help improve the standard of the game, training, and administration in Sri Lanka.
• Recognition: Continued international recognition of the sport and the association’s efforts.

The team’s journey is a profound testament to the power of sport in transcending boundaries and creating life-changing opportunities. The entire nation looks forward to cheering them on as they step onto the world stage.