Blind World Cup faces unforeseen difficulties

The 2nd World Cup cricket for the Blind was scheduled for January, 2002 at Christchurch, New Zealand. 7 countries viz Australia, South Africa, England Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India and hosts New Zealand were expected to participate.

Unfortunately, the World Cup has run into problems. NZBCA (New Zealand Blind Cricket Association) has not been able to raise the required sponsorship for the event, further New Zealand Cricket Board has withdrawn support since they have been given the responsibility of hosting the Under 19 World Cup around the same time.

Hence the Christchurch event has been called off. We are now looking for another country who might come forward to host the event in November or December, 2002. We are also exploring the possibility of two or three countries jointly hosting the World Cup.

The blind cricketers love their cricket and the World Cup is a tremendous opportunity for them to display their talent and ability and compete at the highest level.

The first World Cup was hosted by ACBI (Association for Cricket for the Blind in India) at New Delhi, India in November, 1998. The event was a great success in terms of participation, level of cricket and media support. South Africa had defeated Pakistan in the finals.

We would certainly like ideas, thoughts, suggestions and help from any quarter. The World Cup must happen. We need all the support.

George Abraham
Chairman World Blind Cricket Council
E-62, Sector 21, NOIDA 201301.
Ph: 91-118-4542191, 91-118-4539606
Fax: 91-118-4539606
Email: geham@ndb.vsnl.net.in