DNA TV Show: India’s blind cricket community faces recognition issues
Foreign players in the IPL get payments from BCCI worth crores of rupees. However, why is there such a lack of interest in giving Indian blind cricket players financial support? Why isn’t the wealthiest cricket body in the world prepared to accept blind cricket? Like other cricket players, blind cricketers represent their nation. Even though the BCCI invests millions of dollars on the members of the Indian cricket team, blind cricketers are not paid a set pay. The match cost for blind cricketers is simply Rs 3000.
Additionally, the funds contributed to the trust are used to provide them with this money. The five-time World Cup-winning blind cricket team does not even have a permanent coach. There isn’t even a single stadium or set pitch in the whole nation where blind cricket players may go to play or train.
It becomes harder for the Blind Cricket Team Federation to attract sponsors if they have to compete in any competitions. India’s blind cricket team is representing their nation with pride throughout the globe in spite of several obstacles. It’s not an easy feat to win five World Cups without assistance from the government.
The lives of blind cricket players in our nation would drastically alter if the BCCI accepts the sport. Cricket players and Indian blind cricket will have new identities. Currently, blind cricket players get a match fee of Rs 3000 every match instead of an annual wage. The match fees are paid for by the trust. Blind players may get an annual fixed wage and match fees of thousands of rupees after receiving recognition from the BCCI.
Currently, the charity provides the blind cricket team with daily rent payments of Rs 20,000 for the venue. On the other hand, blind cricketers would be able to acquire BCCI venues to play if they get recognition. Up till now, trusts and a few carefully chosen private firms have sponsored the blind cricket team’s competitions. Following its accreditation, the BCCI will host matches in an effort to draw in additional sponsors.
