Mumbai, 29 October 2026: CBRE, in association with the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), the cricketing arm of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, unveiled the official jersey of the Indian men’s blind cricket team at CBRE Ek Pehal 2026: Beyond Boundaries, Sports Excellence, Inclusion & Empowerment, ahead of the second Men’s Blind Cricket Asia Cup. Held at The St. Regis Mumbai, the event also felicitated India’s men’s and women’s blind cricket teams in recognition of their achievements and contributions to Indian sport. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from 15 to 20 November 2026.
The occasion brought together Ajinkya Rahane, former captain of the Indian cricket team; Boman Irani, actor; Anshuman Magazine, Chairman and CEO, India, South-East Asia, MENA, CBRE; Mayanti Langer, sports journalist, anchor and host of the event; and Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, Founder and Managing Trustee of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled and Chairman of CABI.
Ajinkya Rahane said, “Representing India is an honour that comes with immense pride and responsibility. These cricketers bring skill, discipline and a deep understanding of the game to every match. They deserve recognition for the quality of their cricket and access to the support every athlete needs to excel. I congratulate both teams on their achievements and wish the men’s team the very best for the Asia Cup.”
Through the CBRE Ek Pehal CSR initiative, the 17-member Indian men’s blind cricket team is receiving support for its Asia Cup preparations, including training, sporting kits, medical assistance and physiotherapy. The team’s preparation also includes a coaching camp in Delhi NCR, focusing on batting, bowling, fielding, fitness and match strategy. The partnership also creates opportunities for CBRE employees to interact with the players and develop a deeper understanding of disability inclusion.
Boman Irani said, “Sport has a wonderful way of bringing people together. These players have earned their place through years of practice, teamwork and commitment. Their achievements deserve a much wider audience. It is a privilege to celebrate them, and I hope more people will follow blind cricket, cheer for our teams and recognise the talent they bring to the game.”
The event also celebrated the achievements of India’s women’s blind cricket team, recognising the team’s historic accomplishments and the growing visibility of women in disability sports. A documentary showcasing the women’s team’s journey was screened for over 100 corporate leaders and stakeholders, highlighting the determination, resilience and teamwork behind their achievements.
Anshuman Magazine said, “Sport has the power to turn opportunity into achievement and visibility into lasting change. Through Ek Pehal, our partnership with Samarthanam and CABI will strengthen the pathways that enable cricketers with visual impairments to train at their best, compete on bigger stages and be recognised for their talent. As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of India’s men’s and women’s blind cricket teams, we are especially proud to support the men’s team ahead of the Asia Cup.”
Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar said, “Our players have the talent and determination to compete at the highest level. Sustained support helps turn that potential into performance through quality coaching, competitive opportunities and greater visibility. We thank CBRE for partnering with us and recognising both our men’s and women’s teams. As the men prepare for the Asia Cup, our focus remains on helping every player take the field with confidence and represent India with pride.”
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About Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled
Founded in 1997, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled is a Bengaluru-based non-profit organisation that empowers persons with disabilities and underserved communities through education, skills development, livelihoods, sports and rehabilitation. Its programmes seek to expand access, strengthen independence and advance inclusion.
For more information, visit samarthanam.org.
About the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI)
The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), the cricketing arm of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, is the apex body for blind cricket in India and is affiliated with the World Blind Cricket Council. CABI promotes and develops the sport, creating pathways for visually impaired cricketers to participate, excel and represent India internationally.
For more information, visit blindcricket.in.About CBRE
CBRE is a global leader in commercial real estate services and investment and a premier provider of critical infrastructure services. CBRE’s flagship CSR initiative, CBRE Ek Pehal, focuses on creating meaningful and lasting impact by addressing the needs of underserved communities through programmes spanning education, healthcare, nutrition, livelihoods and community infrastructure has impacted more than 200,000 lives. Through CBRE Ek Pehal 2026: Beyond Boundaries, Sports Excellence, Inclusion & Empowerment, CBRE is extending this commitment to sporting excellence and disability inclusion by supporting blind cricket while recognising the achievements of athletes with visual impairments,
For more information, visit cbre.co.in.
