COLOMBO (MNN); In a remarkable display of unity beyond politics, Indian and Pakistani players participating in the world’s first Blind Women’s T20 Tournament exchanged warm handshakes and friendly words in Sri Lanka on Sunday, setting aside months of diplomatic tension between the two nations.
The match, held in Katunayake near Colombo, highlighted how visually impaired women athletes embraced true sportsmanship, contrasting sharply with their sighted national teams, which have repeatedly avoided handshakes since a deadly border clash in May.
The gesture has been skipped at the Asia Cup, bilateral tours, and the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Initially, it seemed India’s blind women would follow the same pattern when no handshake occurred at the toss.
But after the match, both sides broke the cycle of hostility, shaking hands, exchanging compliments, and even travelling back together on the same bus.
On the field, India secured an eight-wicket victory, chasing Pakistan’s 135 for 8 in just 10.2 overs. Pakistan captain Nimra Rafique acknowledged India’s superior performance, while Indian captain T. C. Deepika praised Pakistan’s determined effort.
Although the stands saw limited attendance, Sri Lanka’s national broadcaster aired the match live, and blind officials involved in hosting followed the action via YouTube audio commentary.
India’s team manager Shika Shetty told newsmen that this inaugural World Cup is a “turning point” for visually impaired women, inspiring girls with disabilities to pursue education and sports. Pakistan’s coach Tahir Mehmood Butt echoed that blind cricket is opening powerful new opportunities for young women in Pakistan as well.
Blind cricket uses a white plastic ball with ball bearings for sound-based tracking. Teams must field a mix of players with different levels of visual impairment: at least four totally blind cricketers, three players who can see up to two metres, and four partially sighted players with visibility up to six metres. Completely blind batters may use partially sighted runners, and bowling is done underarm.
The tournament features six countries — India, Pakistan, Australia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the United States.
After opening in India, it has now moved to Sri Lanka for the final stages, with the championship match scheduled for next Sunday in Colombo.
