Bishan Singh Bedi asks BCCI to recognize blind cricket

In the other cricketing nations like Australia, South Africa, and even Pakistan, the blind cricketers work under the central cricket board. But the Indian blind cricket players have not been accepted by the BCCI despite winning two World Cups. After their success in the World Cup even Sachin Tendulkar had come out in support of the board and now they have a new voice added to their cause. Bedi has now put his support behind the blind cricket board and urged the BCCI to include them as well.

"I would expect the BCCI to take CABI under its fold and give all the assistance they require. You all are inspiration for millions. You all have shown that even if you don't have eyesight, you can have vision," Bedi said during the IndusInd Bank Blind Cricket Conclave as quoted by IANS.

The conclave, which saw more than 80 cricketers across India turn up, ended with the felicitation programme of the blind Indian cricket team who won the ODI World Cup. During the event, Bedi also gave the example of former Indian skipper Tiger Pataudi who lost an eye in a car accident and despite that played international cricket.

"Tiger lost eyesight before he made his Test debut. He hated if anyone sympathised with him. He never considered it as a physical disability and went on to become India's finest captain. He was a Nawab but never behaved like one," Bedi said.

Syed Kirmani, who also attended the programme, recalled his cricketing days and told that time many facilities were not available for cricket. But the passion and playing for the country always kept motivated him.

Chetan Chauhan, Minister of Sports and Skill Development in Uttar Pradesh, offered full support and assistance to the Indian blind cricketers in providing them jobs.

Ajay Jadeja, the former middle-order batsman, believed that information about blind cricket should reach every section of the society, including school going children. Jadeja has also suggested that everyone should experience playing this game.