From Rs. 3,000 to 25, 000 per international match, more bilateral games and better perks – CABI submits key proposals for blind cricket, awaits BCCI’s time

Match fees from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 25,000 for international matches and Rs. 750 to Rs. 5,000 for domestic matches, more bilateral games and better infrastructure are listed in the proposal submitted by the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) to the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

While speaking to The Quotes, Dr. Mahantesh G Kivadasannava, DCCI president and Chair, CABI confirmed that the Differently-Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) intends to provide better facilities to the blind players, but they are waiting to get the nod from the BCCI.

Day after Team India (blind) clinched the fifth T20 World Cup 2022 title by beating Bangladesh in the summit clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Indian skipper Ajay Kumar Reddy said that his team is seeking some sort of recognition from the Sports Ministry and Board of Control for Cricket in India.

“We need recognition from Sports Ministery of India and BCCI. They have not set any road map for us, and how they are going to improve our infrastructure. There should be proper road map that how through DCCI they are gonna support differently abled cricket. Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) must plan annual calendar, groom future generations, make cricket grounds, provide facilities and finances to players,” Ajay said.

Top-order batters also requested that blind cricketers must not be treated with sympathy but as regular sportsmen.

“CABI has already worked on lot of proposals from players and support staff. Even we don’t appreciate player’s current package and have requested BCCI to make key amendments. Rs. 25,000/ international match, and Rs. 5,000/domestic match is our proposal. The proposal is not just for men’s but we have prepared a plan for women’s cricket (blind), as well,” Dr. Mahantesh told The Quotes.

The DCCI president further confirmed he is reaching out to the sports ministry and BCCI to convey players’ plight. “We are expecting some key improvement in the policy and infrastructure for blind cricketers till the first quarter of 2023,” added Dr. Mahantesh.

The BCCI Apex Council on April 2021 recognised the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) as the only body to promote cricket among physically challenged, deaf, blind and wheelchair participants.

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