ISLAMABAD: The Australian High Commission, in collaboration with the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) and Serena Hotels, supported a cricket coaching clinic and tournament for visually impaired women and girls from across Pakistan from 3 to 8 March in celebration of International Women’s Day.
Speaking at the award-giving ceremony at the conclusion of the event, Australia’s Acting High Commissioner to Pakistan, Nicole Guihot remarked that Australia’s continuing support focused to empower more women and girls with disabilities to exploit and realize their potential and broaden their horizons through sport.
“We are backing the development of blind women’s cricket in Pakistan as sport breaks down barriers to inclusion, equity and diversity and fosters understanding and builds resilient communities,” Guihot said.
In his remarks, Chairman Pakistan Blind Cricket Council, Syed Sultan Shah, said that as a sport Blind Cricket has gained popularity in recent times for its unique approach to inclusivity adding that the sport provided an opportunity for people with visual impairments to compete at a high level, develop their skills and confidence.
Coaches Abdul Razzaq, Ibrar Shah, Shahida Shaheen, and Tahir Mehmood Butt, who provided tips and coaching to the national blind men’s team, also worked with the women to hone ball skills, enhance team cooperation, and strengthen leadership.
It is worth mentioning here that in 1922, two blind factory workers invented blind cricket in Melbourne, Australia when they used a tin can containing rocks as a ball. Later in 1928, the first sports ground and clubhouse for blind cricket was built in Kooyong, Melbourne. Today blind cricket is played at club level as well as through national in Australia.
Earlier in the final contest Punjab team beat Islamabad to won the final and title if the event.
