Breaking Boundaries: Blind Cricket comes to the USA

In a powerful stride toward inclusive sport, the “Introducing Cricket for the Blind in the USA” initiative has launched—aiming to empower over 7 million visually impaired Americans through blind cricket. Led by the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, the initiative marks a first in the US sporting history: The creation of national blind cricket teams for both men and women. More than 100 visually impaired athletes will be trained, mentored, and equipped with life and leadership skills. And this is more than just a game.

Aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Sustainable Development Goals, the program is a bold move toward equality, education, health, and opportunity.

Athletes will undergo regional training camps, workshops, and self-defense sessions. The goal? To build confidence, break isolation, and help participants become ambassadors for inclusion. Corporate partnerships play a key role. From funding to employee volunteering at events like the Blind Cricket World Cup, businesses are invited to be champions of adaptive sport. 

(Flyer courtesy: Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled)

Blind cricket has a rich history. It began in 19th-century Australia as a lunchtime game for visually impaired workers. By 1996, World Blind Cricket Ltd formalized the sport, which has since inspired thousands across the globe. Now, Samarthanam is bringing that legacy to American soil, with a vision of institutionalizing blind cricket across schools, colleges, and community centers.

The organization behind it all, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, was founded in 1997 in India and now has global reach. With consultative status at the UN, and a track record of impact, Samarthanam emphasizes inclusion, equity, and transparency.

 “Support blind cricket, and you’re not just building a team—you’re building a future.” This is your invitation. Join the movement. Donate. Volunteer. Share. Let’s build a society where everyone—regardless of ability—can play to win. 

Key Highlights of the Program:

1. Initial Outreach: We have already mobilized 60 visually impaired women across the U.S. who are eager to learn and play blind cricket.
2. Coaching & Selection Camps: Two 3-day weekend coaching-cum-selection trials will be held:
   New York – 3rd week of June
   California – 4th week of June
   Each location will host 30 candidates.
3. Squad Shortlisting: Following the camps, the top 29 players will be selected to attend a 10-day national coaching camp. From this group, the final 17-member squad will be chosen to represent the U.S.
4. Advanced Training: The final team will undergo two 14-day training camps in September and October to prepare for international competition.
5. Pre-Tournament Matches in India: In October, the team will travel to India for a series of practice matches with women’s state teams from Delhi, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, and Haryana, in preparation for the World Cup.
6. World Cup Participation: The US Women’s Blind Cricket Team will participate in the Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup in November 2025.
7. Expert Coaching Support: Mr. Lokesh and Mr. Venkateshwara Rao Dunna, senior players from the Indian Men’s Blind Cricket Team, will visit the U.S. to provide professional coaching and mentorship.