Pakistan Clinches First Blind T20 World Cup Title with Resounding Victory
Multan: Pakistan secured its maiden Blind T20 World Cup title with a dominant 10-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the final match held in Multan. The home side showcased their supremacy by remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament.
Bangladesh, batting first, posted a total of 140 runs for the loss of seven wickets. However, Pakistan chased down the target effortlessly, achieving it without losing a wicket. Star batter Nisar Ali led the charge with a stunning half-century off just 22 balls, ensuring a decisive win for the team.
The Blind T20 World Cup was jointly hosted in Lahore and Multan. Notably, India, a key participant in past editions, did not send its team to the tournament. Despite obtaining a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Sports Ministry, the Indian blind cricket team was unable to secure travel clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
In a statement to India Today, Sailendra Yadav, General Secretary of the Indian Blind Cricket Association, expressed disappointment over the development.
“We waited for 25 days to get permission from the government to travel to Pakistan, but with the tournament set to begin, we could not wait any longer. The MEA informed us that we would not receive the necessary clearance and advised canceling our participation. Although we were told to expect an official letter, we have yet to receive one. Based on our conversations with the MEA, we decided not to participate,” Yadav said.
The absence of the Indian team notwithstanding, the tournament witnessed exceptional performances, with Pakistan emerging as the deserving champions. Their triumph adds a historic chapter to the nation’s sporting achievements, highlighting the skill and determination of the blind cricket team.