In a moment that will be remembered in India’s sporting history, the Indian women’s blind cricket team has scripted a fairy tale by winning the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind with a flawless, undefeated campaign.
This victory is not just a trophy; it’s a powerful symbol of hope, strength, and the boundless potential of women who refuse to be defined by limitations.
A Journey Born from Grit, Not Sight
Cricket for the blind is a sport built on trust, sound, and sheer heart. The ball rattles with bearings so that players can hear it, and fielders use claps to communicate positions. At least four players on each team are totally blind (classified as B1), and everyone wears blindfolds to keep the playing field fair.
For these women, every shot played, every run saved, and every catch is an act of deep concentration and courage. The challenges are different, but the spirit is the same and on November 23, 2025, they showed the world just how strong that spirit can be.
The Final: A Statement of Dominance
In the final match held in Colombo, India defeated Nepal by seven wickets to lift the trophy.
- India’s bowlers set the tone early, restricting Nepal to 114 for 5 in their 20 overs.
- In the chase, opener Phula Saren played a sensational innings, scoring 44 off just 27 balls, including four classy boundaries.
- What makes her performance even more incredible? She also bowled three overs for just 20 runs, contributing all-around.
- India finished the match in just 12.1 overs, well ahead of the target, and remained unbeaten throughout the tournament.
More Than a Win : A Message for All Women
This trophy is more than just a piece of silverware. It’s a bold declaration that disability is not inability, that vision is not the only lens through which greatness is seen.
- Many of the players come from humble backgrounds, are trained through NGO-led camps and state programs, and have overcome social and economic barriers to make it onto the world stage.
- In a deeply symbolic moment during their celebration, captain Deepika TC recreated Harmanpreet Kaur’s iconic trophy-lift gesture from the recent mainstream women’s cricket World Cup : a passing of the baton, a celebration of all women’s cricket in India.
- Their resilience and joy moved many. “The girls cried happy tears and so did I,” said Mahantesh Kivadasannavar, chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India.
Why This Matters : Especially for Us at SheLit
At SheLit, our mission is to uplift and spotlight stories of women who challenge norms and rise above barriers. The story of India’s blind women cricketers is everything we stand for:
- Empowerment through sport: These women remind us that empowerment isn’t just about having a voice, it’s about being heard, seen (in every sense), and celebrated.
- Breaking stigmas: In many parts of India, disability still carries stigma. A world cup win like this forces society to rethink what women with disabilities can achieve.
- Inspiring the next generation: Young girls, blind or otherwise will see these champions and believe that their own dreams are valid, no matter how big.
- Solidarity in diversity: Their victory isn’t just for them; it’s a win for all marginalized communities, for inclusive sport, and for gender equality.
Lessons We Can Draw from Their Winning Spirit
- Resilience is not only about bouncing back, it’s about moving forward with grace. These women trained in a niche sport, far from the limelight, and yet they performed when it mattered.
- Teamwork transcends barriers. Their communication on the field, their trust in each other, and their discipline show that unity can conquer the toughest challenges.
- Celebrate every win, big or small. This may be the first-ever Blind Women’s T20 World Cup, but its ripple effects will be felt for years.
- Use visibility as a tool for change. Their win brings media attention, but more than that, it brings respect, funding, and hope for future athletes.
A Call to Action, For Readers, Especially Women
- Support inclusive sports: Whether through volunteering, donations, or simply cheering them on, inclusive sports need visibility, love, and financial backing.
- Raise awareness: Share this story. Use your social media, talk to friends, mentor young girls. Let everyone know: champions don’t always look like what you expect.
- Dream without limits: Let this win remind you (and the girls around you) that limitations, physical or social are not the end of the road. They can be the beginning of something extraordinary.
The Indian blind women’s cricket team didn’t just win a world cup. They made history. They challenged perceptions. They proved that with courage, practice, and belief, any dream is within reach.
At SheLit, we celebrate them not just as cricketers, but as trailblazers, women who inspire all of us to dream bigger, push harder, and break boundaries, no matter what stands in our way.