BCCI Funds Air Travel for India’s Visually Impaired Cricket Team for Asia Cup

The Board of Control for Cricket in India, widely known as the BCCI, has stepped forward to support the nation’s visually impaired cricket squad by sponsoring their round-trip air travel for the upcoming Blind Cricket Asia Cup. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Dhaka from November 15 to 20, where the Indian team will aim to secure a title they last held a decade ago.

Led by captain Durga Rao Tompaki, the 17-member squad received an official send-off on Thursday. The team comprises talented players representing various states, including Gujarat, Delhi, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, and Karnataka. Sunil Ramesh will serve as the vice-captain for the campaign. The Indian side is set to begin their tournament journey with an opening match against Sri Lanka on November 15.

The BCCI has sponsored all round-trip airfare for the Indian visually impaired cricket team's Asia Cup travel.

Support for the Squad The send-off event was coordinated by the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), in collaboration with the Samarthanam Trust and corporate partner CBRE. Through its CSR initiative, 'Ek Pehal,' CBRE has provided extensive support to the team, covering vital aspects such as player selection, coaching, fitness, nutrition, physiotherapy, equipment, and travel logistics.

BCCI honorary secretary Devajit Saikia expressed his support for the team, stating that the board believes cricket should provide opportunities for everyone to participate and excel. He extended his well wishes to the squad as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.

Why it matters This sponsorship marks a significant gesture of inclusion in Indian sports, ensuring that the national visually impaired team has the necessary resources to compete at the highest level. By covering the travel expenses, the BCCI facilitates the team's participation in the Blind Cricket Asia Cup, directly impacting the players' ability to focus on their performance in Dhaka. For the cricket community in India and across South Asia, this support highlights a growing commitment to providing equitable opportunities for athletes with disabilities to pursue excellence on the field.