Indian blind cricket team captain expresses concern over lack of funds ahead of IBSA World Games
‘We are struggling with funding’ – Captain of Indian blind cricket team Ajay Kumar Reddy
Indian blind cricket team is set to take part in the IBSA World Games 2023 to be held in Birmingham from August 18 to 27. But the team is struggling financially even after a great track record having won the Blind T20 World Cup after beating Bangladesh last year.
Talking about the issue team captain Ajay Kumar Reddy said “We are struggling with funding, we will strive for gold in the World Games and make India proud. However, to excel in sports, we need substantial financial support. Despite our numerous World Cup victories, we are facing funding challenges, hindering our ability to enhance facilities. I am immensely proud of my team; they have been performing exceptionally well.”
He further added “While the Indian Blind Cricket Team has achieved remarkable success over the past decade, we continue to grapple with financial support. Presently, we have a contract with IndusInd Bank, but we remain uncertain about what will transpire after the contract’s conclusion.”
A Happy Team
Reddy praised the comrade that the team has maintained in the last ten years and said that seniors in the team always support new players in the team which has helped in creating a positive and encouraging environment within the team. He also acknowledged BCCI for the initiative taken by the board.
In the words of Reddy, “We were fortunate when the BCCI formed a DCA committee, providing us with essential financial support.” IBSA World games will witness a range of sports competitions ranging from Archery, Chess, Cricket, Blind Football, Partially Sighted Football Women’s Football, Goalball (Male/Female), Judo, Powerlifting, Showdown, Ten Pin Bowling, and Tennis.
A Successful Run
Support for the blind cricket team has been pouring in from all quarters as former Indian opener Aakash Chopra asked everyone to get behind the team for the event and make sure that the team achieves glory. Indian blind cricket team has been on a tittle winning juggernaut having won the ODI World Cup in 2014 and 2017, the T20 world cup in 2012, 2018, and 2022, and the T20 Asia Cup in 2016.
