The Australian High Commission, in partnership 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.
The training built on Australia’s support to the PBCC since 2018 which led to the formation of Pakistan’s first international blind women’s cricket team.
Speaking at the award-giving ceremony at the conclusion of the tournament, Australia’s Acting High Commissioner to Pakistan, Nicole Guihot said that Australia’s continuing support aimed to empower more women and girls with disabilities to realise their potential and broaden their horizons through sport.
“We are supporting the development of blind women’s cricket in Pakistan because sport breaks down barriers to inclusion, diversity and equity, fosters understanding and builds resilient communities,” MsGuihot said.
Coaches Abdul Razzaq, Ibrar Shah, ShahidaShaheen, and TahirMehmood Butt, who coached the national blind men’s team, worked with the women to hone ball skills, enhance team cooperation, and strengthen leadership.
The Chairman of Pakistan Blind Cricket Council, Syed Sultan Shah, said, The Chairman of Pakistan Blind Cricket Council, Syed Sultan Shah, said, “Blind Cricket is a sport that has gained popularity in recent years for its unique approach to inclusivity. It provides an opportunity for people with visual impairments to compete at a high level, develop their skills and confidence, and become people of vision, both on and off the field. I hope that this initiative will inspire more people with disabilities to participate in sports and lead fulfilling lives.”
In 1922, two blind factory workers invented blind cricket in Melbourne, Australia when they used a tin can containing rocks as a ball. In 1928, the first sports ground and clubhouse for blind cricket was built in Kooyong, Melbourne. Today blind cricket is played at club level and nationally throughout Australia.—PR
