Sri Lanka to participate at 2nd World Blind T-20 World Cup

Sri Lanka’s national visually impaired cricket squad comprising of 17 multi-talent individuals from all over the country will be competing in the 2nd World Blind T-20 World Cup Tournament in an attempt to clinch the title as champions.

Although the team which has performed well in the past World Cup Tournaments, is not affiliated to the country’s national board, the charitable arm of Sri Lanka Cricket ‘Cricket Aid’ has extended a helping hand in sponsoring these individuals to participate in this international tournament.

“As a governing cricket board in the country, it gives us a sense of pride to know that we have a talented team who are determined to clinch this title,” said President of Sri Lanka Cricket Thilanga Sumathipala. “Cricket Aid, the only charitable arm of SLC has extended its support for this team to travel to India and participate in this tournament.”

The President added that regardless of the outcome of the match, such ventures are both appreciated and deserve to be recognised. “Differently-abled individuals are also part of our society and we need to show them that we care,” said Sumathipala. The Sri Lankan national squad consists of 17 multi-talented individuals from across the island that excel in all three aspects of the game.

The Sri Lankan team was incited by the World Blind Cricket to participate in the international tournament scheduled to be held in multiple cities across India from 29 January to 12 February. For their first match, Sri Lanka will face-off against New Zealand in the first round, West Indies in the second round, Pakistan in the third round, India and Nepal in the 6th and 7th rounds respectively.

The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) has made the arrangements to facilitate the teams who will be arriving in India for the tournament. The visually impaired cricket team of Sri Lanka has been competing internationally since 1998. They currently have between 15-20 visually impaired teams across the island.

The team comprises of J. P. Dimuthu Ravindra, I. A. R. Pathum Saman Kumara, T. D. Kavindu Sahan Kumara, Kaleed Dasman, H. M. Kosala Herath, M. Mohan Raj, K. G. Upul Sanjeewa, W. D. Chandana Sarath Bandara, M. D. D. M. Mathugama, B. L. Ruwan Wasantha, Madhushanka Vishwanath Lekamge, W. A. Chandana Deshappriya, J. A. Priyantha Kumara, K. A. D. Ruwan Karunathilaka, H. M. Suranga Sampath Weerasekara, H. M. Dinesh Madhuwantha and Chandana Kumara Suriyaarachchi. The officials will be Manager H. P. Chaminda Pushpakumara Karunarathna, Coach Shehan Anthani Gunawardhana and Umpire A. D. Sarath Kumarasiri.