The Australian High Commission, in partnership with the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) and Serena Hotels, supported a national training camp for visually impaired women and girls in Islamabad from 25–30 April.
The annual initiative—Blind Women Cricket Championship— built on the historic formation of Pakistan’s first blind women’s cricket team in 2018. This year, 52 participants from across Pakistan took part in the camp, developing their skills and working towards national selection.
The final T20 match of the 5th Blind Women Cricket Championship was played at the Shalimar Cricket Ground on Thursday between Punjab and the AJK. Punjab eventually won the match on the basis of the good run rate as the match had to be called off due to heavy rain.
Teams from Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Kashmir participated in the championship.
Throughout the tournament, all the teams played quite hard and displayed great cricketing skills receiving applause from the spectators.
The morale of the teams remained high and the captains led their sides with great courage, hard work and perseverance.
Australia’s High Commissioner, Timothy Kane, while congratulating the participating teams, the winning side of the Punjab and the runner-up AJK, said, “Cricket is a powerful force for connection and inclusion. It brings Australia and Pakistan together through a shared passion, and it also creates opportunities for women and girls — including those with disabilities — to challenge barriers and succeed.” He lauded the women cricketers assuring support and every possible opportunity to showcase their talent.
“At a time when Australian players and coaches are actively engaged in Pakistan’s cricket landscape, this initiative highlights the depth of our partnership — from elite sport to grassroots impact.”
Chairman of the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council, Syed Sultan Shah while appreciating the Australian high commission’s support through cricket initiative held the event a landmark in promoting and empowering the visually-impaired citizens of Pakistan, particularly women.
“Blind cricket is more than a sport — it is a platform for empowerment. With the right support, these women can excel both on and off the field,” said Syed Sultan Shah. On the occasion, CEO Serena Hotels, Aziz Bolani’s message was also read. It said:
“This initiative reflects the power of partnerships in advancing inclusion and opportunity through sport.” Blind cricket originated in Australia in 1922 and has since grown into a global sport, with both Australia and Pakistan playing leading roles in its development.
