In an unexpected turn of events, Kathmandu has been dropped as the neutral venue for the upcoming inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind, following the ongoing turmoil in Nepal. The tournament, a landmark event in the sport’s history, is still set to go ahead in India from November 11 to 25, but organisers are now racing against the clock to find an alternate neutral venue to host matches involving Pakistan.
The first-ever women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind was expected to be a celebration of inclusivity and global participation in the adaptive sport. Seven nations – India, Australia, England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the USA are set to take part in what promises to be a historic tournament.
Why Kathmandu Was Chosen
Kathmandu had been earmarked as a neutral venue to facilitate Pakistan’s participation, given the geopolitical tensions that often complicate bilateral sporting relations between India and Pakistan. It was viewed as a diplomatic and logistical middle ground – a way to allow full participation without controversy.
But recent unrest and political instability in Nepal have forced organisers to reconsider the safety and feasibility of hosting any part of the tournament there.
“The situation in Nepal has unfortunately made it untenable to proceed with Kathmandu as the neutral venue. The safety of players and smooth conduct of the tournament are our top priorities,” an organiser shared off-record.
Tournament Still On Track
Despite this hiccup, the rest of the tournament is proceeding as planned. Matches will primarily be held in New Delhi and Bengaluru, with India playing hosts to what is hoped to be a path-breaking moment for blind women’s cricket.
The need for a neutral venue for Pakistan’s matches, however, remains a pressing issue. Organisers are reportedly exploring a few international alternatives and are working closely with the concerned cricketing bodies to ensure that Pakistan can participate fully and fairly in the tournament.
A Tournament of Many Firsts
This Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind is not just another tournament – it’s a milestone. It’s the first time blind women cricketers from across the world will compete at this level, and it’s expected to pave the way for more visibility, recognition, and opportunity in the sport for visually impaired female athletes.
The inclusion of teams from across continents from the USA to Australia – signals the growing global reach of blind cricket. It also highlights the increasing emphasis on gender inclusivity in adaptive sports.
What’s Next?
With less than two months to go, all eyes will now be on the replacement venue for Pakistan’s matches. Whether it will be another South Asian country or a completely different region remains to be seen.
Regardless of where those matches are played, what’s clear is this: the sport is growing, the players are ready, and the world is finally beginning to watch.
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