Heart over hurdle: The story of Pakistan's blind cricketers

Cricket is deeply ingrained in Pakistan's culture, transcending mere sport to become an integral part of the nation's identity.

The passion for cricket courses through every Pakistani's veins, captivating both players and fans alike. Interestingly, this enthusiasm extends beyond sighted individuals, as visually impaired Pakistanis have also embraced the game with remarkable fervor.

In a blind cricket match, each team has 11 players each but at least four of those players must be totally blind (classified as B1), three partially blind players (B2) and up to four partially sighted players (B3).

In terms of playing equipment, the major difference is the ball which is used. It is significantly larger than a standard cricket ball and filled with ball bearings to provide audible cues. The size allows partially sighted players to see the ball and the contents allow blind players to hear it.

The stumps are also bigger than the usual height of 28 inches above the playing ground and are made of metal tubes painted in fluorescent colors to allow partially sighted players to see and blind players to touch it in order to correctly position themselves when batting or bowling.

Blind cricket relies on common use of the sweep shot, in order to provide maximum chance of the bat hitting the ball.

Players in action during the PBCC Blind Cricket T20 Super League 2024 in Abbottabad.Pakistan Blind Cricket Council

Meanwhile, verbal signals are widely used both by umpires and players during the match. The bowler must shout 'play' as he releases the ball and the delivery is required to pitch at least twice when bowled to a completely blind batsman (once when bowled to a partially sighted batsman), but must not be rolling. Totally blind batsmen cannot be out due to being stumped, and must be found to be LBW twice before going out. Totally blind fielders are allowed to take a catch on the bounce.

The world's first Test cricket match for the blind was played in 2000 between Pakistan and South Africa, in which the former won by 94 runs.

So far, five Blind World Cups have been held along with three T20 World Cups.

South Africa won the first World Cup in 1998, defeating Pakistan in the final. Meanwhile, Pakistan consecutively won the next two events, defeating South Africa and India in the finals in 2002 and 2006 respectively. In 2014 and 2018, India won the title to stamp their authority.

In the T20 World Cups, India have also won all of the previous editions which took place in 2012, 2017 and 2022.

'Don't feel sorry for blind people'

Salman Elahi, who represented the Pakistan team in the World Cup in 2002, says that Pakistan has a passion for cricket, which is the reason why Blind people also started participating in this game and showcased excellent performance in various events.

“In the beginning when there were very few blind players, it seemed very difficult, but then gradually blind cricket made its place not only in Pakistan but all over the world,” Elahi told Nukta.

“Many players in the cricket team are performing professional duties as well in different fields of life,” he added.

Responding to a question, Elahi said that “visually impaired people do not want anyone to feel sorry for them and want opportunities to participate in various activities”.

A club cricketer Nauman Anjum is one of the cricketers who enjoys playing blind cricket and backed Pakistan team to win the T20 World Cup this year. Anjum was not blind by birth but, after a road accident, he lost his eyesight completely.

“I loved playing cricket since childhood and joined Karachi Blind Club in 2013. I have played league cricket all over Pakistan," he said.

"The current Pakistan team is very strong and I'm confident that they will win the T20 World Cup this year on home soil," he

The T20 Blind Cricket World Cup is to be played in Lahore and Multan from November 22. Seven teams, including the defending champion India, will participate in the event which will continue till December 3.