Bengaluru :
The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) on Wednesday announced former India captain Rahul Dravid as the brand ambassador for the T20 World Cup for the Blind to be held in India from January 31 to February 12.
Dravid promised to inspire visually impaired cricketers and promote blind cricket. “Growth of cricket for the blind in India and in the world will encourage people with special needs to trust in their abilities and unleash their true potential,” said Dravid, who is currently the coach of the India U-19 and India ‘A’ teams. While talking about the challenges in blind cricket, Dravid recalled his experience of playing blindfold cricket during IPL team Delhi Daredevils’ training session. “We found it challenging. I had to back away. It’s very difficult to counter the fear playing blindfold. What is inspiring about blind cricketers is their motivation to challenge their disability,” he said. Dravid also praised CABI for developing the sport by conducting domestic and international tournaments. The former India captain launched CABI’s ‘Support Blind Cricket by buying a ball’ campaign to raise funds for the tournament.
Meanwhile, CABI president GK Mahantesh said: “Dravid’s presence and encouragement will motivate thousands of youths to pursue the sport. It’s an honour to have Dravid as supporter of blind cricket.” The 13-day bash will be held in eight venues across the country with the final in Bengaluru on February 12. Besides India, the other teams in the fray are Australia, Bangladesh, England, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies. “We have planned a few friendly matches in Jammu and Kashmir to promote peace and harmony in the valley,” Mahantesh said.
Financial grant
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has promised financial grant to CABI, said Mahantesh. “Earlier this year the BCCI president wrote to CABI saying that the cricket board was willing to support it financially from this year. The amount has not been finalised,” Mahantesh said. He also said that CABI was making all possible attempts to get affiliation from the BCCI.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Bangalore News / by Sunil Subbaiah / TNN / November 09th, 2016