Bengaluru: The NTT DATA Women’s T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2025 concluded on Thursday with India Orange lifting the Champions Trophy after a thrilling victory over India Red at Altiore Sports – The Oval. The tournament, hosted by the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled and the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) in collaboration with NTT DATA, aimed at empowering visually impaired women cricketers and preparing them for the upcoming inaugural Women’s T20 Blind World Cup in November 2025.
Empowering cricketers through training
The initiative combined a 12-day high-performance coaching camp with the tournament to enhance discipline, teamwork, fitness, and strategy among the players. It also served to identify a pool of 16 cricketers who will represent India at the World Cup, which will see participation from Australia, England, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, USA, and India. Pakistan’s matches are scheduled to be played at a neutral venue in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Leadership voices of support
Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, Chairman of CABI and Founder Managing Trustee of Samarthanam Trust, expressed gratitude to all supporters and lauded NTT DATA for its role. “The players received a high-quality 12-day coaching program designed to enhance their performance. They are now better prepared to compete against the world’s best teams,” he said.
Gauri Bahulkar, Sr. Director of Global CSR at NTT DATA, congratulated the winners and added, “This initiative marks a powerful step forward in inclusive sports. These 56 remarkable women athletes show what is possible when barriers are removed and potential is nurtured.”
Chief Guest Sushma Godbole, IAS, Secretary of the Karnataka State Information Commission, extended her best wishes to the players. The closing ceremony also witnessed the presence of Rajnish Henry, Secretary General of the World Blind Cricket Council, Ajay Reddy, Arjuna Awardee and former India captain, and senior leaders from NTT DATA.
Final match highlights
The much-anticipated final was delayed due to a wet outfield and reduced to 10 overs per side. Opting to field first, India Red allowed India Orange to post a commanding 94/1, thanks to a blazing knock from Simu Das (B1), who scored 54 off 31 balls.
In reply, India Red struggled against disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, losing wickets at regular intervals. They fell short of the target, handing India Orange a comfortable win. Simu Das was named Player of the Match, while Simu Das (B1), Anekha Thakur (B2), and Deepika T. C. (B3) shared the Player of the Series award.
Champions and prize winners
India Orange lifted the NTT DATA Champions Trophy along with a cash prize of ₹1,00,000. The winning squad included:
Players – Simu Das (B1), Vaishali Gavit (B1), Rakshitha (B1), Pooja Singh (B1), Jamunarani Tudu (B1), Parbati Marndi (B2), Simranjeet Kour (B2), Basanti Hansda (B2), Mikka (B2), Preethi Kumari (B2), Ganga Kadam (B3, Captain), Muskan (B3), Jhili Birua (B3), Pratima Gosh (B3).
Coach – Sukhram Majhi
The victory marked not just a sporting triumph but also a milestone in the promotion of inclusive sports and women’s empowerment in India.