In a rare and heartwarming display of unity, blind women cricketers from India and Pakistan set aside longstanding political hostilities when they met in Sri Lanka on Sunday, November 16, for what organisers are calling the world's first women's T20 tournament for the visually impaired.
The match, held at the Free Trade Zone grounds in Katunayake, offered a stark contrast to the strained relationships between the sighted national teams of both countries. While tensions have escalated in recent months-most notably after a deadly border clash in May-Sunday's fixture showed a different side of the rivalry.
India's men had refused to shake hands with Pakistan's players during the Asia Cup in September, a gesture mirrored by women's teams at the recent
T20 World Cup and again during the Rising Stars Asia Cup match in Doha. With that backdrop, many expected the blind women's teams to follow the trend. When there was no handshake at the toss, it appeared they would.
But once the contest concluded, the two sides shared warm greetings, applauding each other and exchanging words of appreciation. India, who chased down Pakistan's 135 for eight in only 10.2 overs to win by eight wickets, celebrated with grace. Pakistan captain Nimra Rafique praised India's clinical performance, while Indian skipper T.C. Deepika in turn acknowledged Pakistan's spirited showing.
Women Blind Cricket World Cup Colombo:.India women Blind won against Pakistan
- Sohail Imran (@sohailimrangeo) November 16, 2025
Good to see Blind teams Hand shake. pic.twitter.com/jpjfM0XxFW
Despite the uplifting scenes, players from both countries were kept away from the media. The stands saw minimal footfall, but Sri Lanka's national broadcaster, Rupavahini, aired the match live. Local blind officials hosting the tournament followed the action by listening to online commentary.
Before the game, India's team manager Shika Shetty highlighted the significance of the event. "This is the first-ever World Cup for blind women. I think this is one of the biggest opportunities for our entire visually impaired girls," she said as per AFP. "Maybe many girls with disabilities will come out of their villages. So it is helpful for other girls too. "
Pakistan coach Tahir Mehmood Butt echoed similar optimism, saying, "For the totally blind, if they have good hearing, they can become good cricketers. "
Australia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the US are also part of the competition, which began in India before shifting to Sri Lanka for its final stages. The championship match will take place next Sunday in Colombo.
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