Odisha Felicitates Four Visually Impaired Women Cricketers Selected for Inaugural T20 World Cup for the Blind

Bhubaneswar — The Cricket Association for the Visually Impaired (CAVI), Odisha, organised a civic felicitation ceremony to honour four visually impaired tribal women from the state who have been selected to represent India in the first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup – Cricket for the Blind, scheduled from November 11 to 25 in India and Sri Lanka.

The four players — Phula Saren, Basanti Hansda, Jamuna Rani Tudu, and Parbati Marandi — make up one-fourth of the national team, a moment of immense pride for Odisha and a landmark achievement for women’s blind cricket in India.

Phula Saren, captain of the Odisha team and a 2023 IBSA World Games gold medallist, has represented India in several international tournaments. A dependable all-rounder known for her consistent performances with both bat and ball, she said, “I feel proud to represent India and will give my best to lift the World Cup.”

Vice-captain Basanti Hansda, also a World Games gold medallist, is recognised for her strong all-round abilities and sharp fielding. Expressing her gratitude, she said, “Thanks to CAVI Odisha for preparing us; I am confident we can help India win the World Cup.”

The ceremony celebrated not only the players’ achievements but also their inspiring journey from Odisha’s tribal heartlands to the global cricket stage. With Jamuna Rani Tudu’s pace bowling and Parbati Marandi’s skill behind the stumps, the quartet reflects the growing strength, determination, and talent of women’s blind cricket in India.

Earlier this month, the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) announced the national squad and began preparations for the World Cup. Recently, CABI Chairman Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar met President Droupadi Murmu to brief her about the upcoming tournament.

With inputs from IANS