Australia’s Legacy in Blind Cricket
Islamabad: The Australian High Commission, in collaboration with the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) and Serena Hotels, successfully organized a national blind women’s cricket training camp and tournament in Islamabad. The initiative provided a platform for visually impaired women and girls across Pakistan to showcase their talent and refine their cricketing skills.
This event builds upon Pakistan’s pioneering efforts in blind women’s cricket, which began with the formation of its first national team in 2018. That same year, the team played its first international T20 match, marking a historic milestone. In this year’s camp, 50 additional visually impaired women and girls were given the opportunity to enhance their abilities and pursue their passion for cricket.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Australia’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Neil Hawkins, emphasized the transformative power of sports diplomacy:
“Cricket is a powerful force for connection and inclusion. It opens doors for women and girls in Pakistan and Australia, including for those with disabilities, challenging perceptions and breaking barriers.”
Chairman of the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council, Syed Sultan Shah, also commended the initiative:
“Blind Cricket has become a beacon of hope for visually impaired athletes. It’s more than a game—it’s a statement that no disability can hold you back. With the right support, these women can be champions in sport and in life.”
The training camp featured expert coaching from some of Pakistan’s top blind cricket mentors, including Abdul Razzaq, Ibrar Shah, Shahida Shaheen, and Tahir Mehmood Butt. These seasoned trainers have played a crucial role in shaping world-class athletes.
With a rich cricketing heritage, Australia has been a key supporter of blind cricket, a sport that originated in Melbourne in 1922 when visually impaired factory workers innovatively placed rocks in a tin can to create a ball.
This initiative underscores Australia’s commitment to fostering inclusivity in sports and strengthening its ties with Pakistan through cricket, a game that unites and inspires beyond boundaries.