Hyderabad: The inauguration ceremony of the Super 8s of the IndusInd Bank Nagesh Trophy National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind was inaugurated today here at Hotel Majestic in the presence of Shri. Deepak Sapra, CEO, Pharmaceutical Services & API, Dr Reddy’s Labarotaries and Co – Founder & Vice Chairman of Priyajan, Krishnaveni- VKU Foundation, Dr Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, President, Cricket Association for the Blind in India and Founder Managing Trustee of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled. The Super 8 stage matches will be played from March 13 – 15 and the semifinals and finals are scheduled on the 16th and 17th respectively.
Welcoming the guest at the inauguration ceremony, Dr Mahantesh G.K, President, CABI said, “Nagesh Trophy is the most prestigious tournament for Cricket for the Blind in the country. The board has made sure that all the players will have a very good experience in this year’s tournament as it will be travelling to seven cities of the country. I wish all the teams the very best for the tournament and everyone performs the best to their abilities.”
The eight qualified teams are divided into two pools of four teams each of who will play each other once in a round robin format from which the two table toppers from each group qualify for the semifinals. Group A will see defending champions Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Odisha and Haryana competing against each other while Group B will have runners-up from the previous edition Karnataka, Jharkhand, Delhi and Gujarat. The matches will be played at the AYR Stadium and Masters Cricket Stadium in the city.
E John David – General Secretary, Cricket Association for the Blind in India(CABI) spoke on the 5th edition of the IndusInd Bank Nagesh Trophy. Shri. Deepak Sapra, CEO, Pharmaceutical Services & API, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories during the ceremony said that the journey of cricket for the blind is to be celebrated as each player is an inspiration and role model.
Rajnish Henry- Chairman of Nagesh Trophy informed the media that “the Super 8 Stage Matches will bring in more competition and this year there is a very good healthy competition to be the champions. Matches are aired live on Cricket Association for the Blind in India YouTube Channel and each could support Cricket for the Blind by passing on the message on Nagesh Trophy.” Sridhar, President – Cricket Association for the Blind in Telangana proposed the vote of Thanks.
Nagesh Trophy was launched in the memory of SP Nagesh, Founder President, Cricket Association for the Blind in India and Founder Trustee, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled in the year 2018. The launch of the tournament brought together the entire blind cricket community on one bigger platform, supporting the cause and creating a milestone in Blind Cricket history.
The first day of the super 8 stage matches is as follows.
| Andhra Pradesh Vs Chandigarh | 9 am | Masters Cricket Ground Hyderabad |
| Karnataka Vs Delhi | 9 am | AYR Cricket Ground Hyderabad |
| Odisha Vs Haryana | 1 pm | Masters Cricket Ground Hyderabad |
| Gujarat Vs Jharkhand | 1 pm | AYR Cricket Ground Hyderabad |
Read more:
Jharkhand cruises to Nagesh Trophy Super 8s with win over Bihar
Angad’s century gives Bihar a thumping victory in Nagesh Trophy
Punjab’s solid play gets it two straight wins in Nagesh Trophy
AP, Odisha continue winning streak in the Nagesh Trophy
Odisha sets new record, Gujarat has 3rd win in Nagesh Trophy
