India and Bangladesh are set to face off in the Men’s Bilateral T20 Cricket Series for the Blind 2025, which will take place from February 22 to 27 at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) in Bengaluru.
Organised by the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), the series will provide a major platform for visually impaired cricketers to showcase their talent at the international level.
An 18-member Indian squad has been announced, with selections made based on performances in the National Tournament. Notably, eight players in the team will be making their international debut, highlighting the growing opportunities for new talent in blind cricket. The series will consist of five T20 matches, all scheduled at the MAHE Bengaluru Campus.
The event will commence with an inauguration ceremony on February 22 at 9:30 AM, followed by the first match at 10:30 AM.
After a rest day on February 23, the second match will be played on February 24, with the remaining matches scheduled for February 25, 26, and 27. Each match will begin at 10:00 AM, ensuring a well-structured competition for both teams.
CABI President Buse Gowda expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming series, emphasising the importance of international tournaments in providing exposure and opportunities for visually impaired cricketers.
He acknowledged the role of the National Tournaments, supported by IndusInd Bank, in helping identify and develop new talent.
Indian team captain Durga Rao Tompaki shared his excitement about the squad, particularly the debutants who will get their first taste of international cricket.
He highlighted how playing for the national team is a dream for every cricketer and praised the players for their hard work and dedication.
CABI Chairman and Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled founding trustee Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar also expressed optimism about the series, noting that blind cricket in India continues to grow stronger with each tournament.
He stressed the importance of platforms like this in nurturing young talent and inspiring future generations of visually impaired cricketers.
The Indian squad for the series comprises a mix of experienced players and newcomers, representing different categories of visual impairment.
The team includes Debaraj Behera, Praveen Sharma, Maharaja S, Jibin Prakash, Mukesh Kumar, Devraj, Sonu Rawat, Manish Kumar, Lalprasad Soren, Lokesha, Nakula Badanayak, Prakash Jayaramaiah, Durga Rao Tompaki (Captain), Sunil Ramesh (Vice-Captain), Amiti Ravi, Dinesh Ratva, Gambheer Singh, and Sanjeev Kerketta.
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