CABI Picks India's Men's Team for Blind Asia Cup in Dhaka
The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) has announced a 17-member men's team to represent the country at the second Blind Cricket Asia Cup. The tournament is scheduled for November 15 to 20 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. India arrive as holders of the title and will be aiming to successfully defend it.
The team was confirmed after a 10-day selection and coaching camp, which involved 24 probable players. The chosen squad will prepare further at a one-month camp in Delhi NCR before flying out to Bangladesh for the continental event.
The preparatory phase will concentrate on all key areas of the game, including batting, bowling, fielding, fitness, conditioning and strategy for matches. The players were judged on the basis of recent form, fitness, technical skills and their overall level of preparation.
For the B1 category, Naresh Tumda, Sanjay Kumar Shah, Debraj Behera, Ashok Reddy, Praveen Kumar Sharma and Mukesh Kumar Rawat have been selected. Dunna Venkateswara Rao, Ranbir Singh, Lokesha, Manish Kumar and Nakula Badanayak feature in the B2 category. The B3 category has Durga Rao Tompaki, Sunil Ramesh, Sukhram Majhi, A. Ravi, Dinesh Rathva and Deepak.
Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, Chairman of CABI, congratulated the 17 chosen players and expressed trust in their readiness. "Congratulations to the 17 players selected to represent India in the Men's Blind Cricket Asia Cup 2026. Every player has worked hard to earn a place in the national team. We hope they will carry forward India's proud heritage and succeed in retaining the title. I wish the team every success."
India previously won the first Blind T20 Asia Cup held by CABI in Kochi in January 2016. In the final, they defeated Pakistan by 44 runs. India made 208 for 5 and then limited Pakistan to 164, claiming their maiden title.
India squad: Naresh Tumda, Sanjay Kumar Shah, Debraj Behera, Ashok Reddy, Praveen Kumar Sharma, Mukesh Kumar Rawat, Dunna Venkateswara Rao, Ranbir Singh, Lokesha, Manish Kumar, Nakula Badanayak, Durga Rao Tompaki, Sunil Ramesh, Sukhram Majhi, A. Ravi, Dinesh Rathva and Deepak.