Vijayawada: The IndusInd Bank Nagesh Trophy Men’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2025 (8th Edition – Phase II) witnessed a momentous start in Vijayawada, combining historic administrative announcements with thrilling on-field upsets that lifted the excitement of the national championship.
Blind Premier League 2026 announced, Andhra Pradesh steps forward
Phase II of the tournament was inaugurated at the Dr. Gokaraju Liala Gangaaraju MSK Prasad Cricket Ground in the presence of Supreme Court and High Court judges, senior officials, and cricket administrators.
In a landmark announcement, it was declared that the Blind Premier League (BPL) will be launched in 2026, with Andhra Pradesh proposing to host the inaugural edition. To strengthen grassroots development, 26 blind cricket teams will be formed across all 26 districts of Andhra Pradesh with immediate effect.
CABI Chairman Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar further announced that Andhra Pradesh will host one international bilateral blind cricket tournament every year, reinforcing the state’s long-term commitment to inclusive sports development.
World Cup champions felicitated in Vijayawada
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, India Women’s World Cup-winning captain Deepika and 16-year-old Andhra Pradesh prodigy Karuna were felicitated with ₹1 lakh each by advocate Shri Sarat Babu Chenna, recognising their outstanding contribution to blind cricket, including India’s triumph at the SBI Women’s T20 World Cup – Cricket for the Blind.
Andhra Pradesh Sports Authority Chairman Ravi Naidu highlighted new schemes for blind and differently abled sportspersons, stressing that the state aims to lead in employment opportunities, cash awards, and structured sports policies for athletes with disabilities.
Uttarakhand stun defending champions Andhra Pradesh
On the field, CAB Uttarakhand delivered one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, defeating defending champions CAB Andhra Pradesh by 47 runs—a result likened to India’s famous 1983 World Cup triumph.
Batting first, Uttarakhand posted 146/4 in 16 overs, led by skipper Deepak Singh Rawat’s commanding 82 off 58 balls. Andhra Pradesh were restricted to 99/6, with Rawat’s all-round brilliance earning him the Player of the Match award.
Gujarat dominate Tamil Nadu in 10-wicket win
In the second match at Vijayawada, CAB Gujarat cruised to a 10-wicket victory over CAB Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu were limited to 83/8 in 16 overs, with Dinesh Rathva (B3) claiming 3 wickets for 10 runs.
Gujarat chased down the target in just 5.4 overs, powered by Rathva’s explosive 52 off 23 balls and Kalpesh Nimbadkar’s unbeaten 24. Rathva was named Player of the Match for his decisive all-round performance.
Delhi and Jharkhand record emphatic wins in New Delhi
At the Talkatora Cricket Ground, New Delhi, CAB Delhi stormed past CAB West Bengal with a commanding 9-wicket win. West Bengal were bowled out for 107, while Rambir Singh starred with 4 wickets and an unbeaten 58 off 37 balls, earning the Player of the Match award.
In another encounter, CAB Jharkhand defeated CAB Telangana by 9 wickets, chasing down 147 in 15.2 overs. Rohit Oraon’s unbeaten 67 and Sanjeev Kerketta’s fluent 53 sealed the win, with Oraon named Player of the Match.
Goa and Vidarbha assert dominance in Gandhinagar
At Gandhinagar, CAB Goa registered a convincing 58-run victory over CAB Manipur, scoring 169/5, led by Nilesh (55) and Jignesh Panjya (50). Goa bowled Manipur out for 111, despite Pradeep Singh’s valiant 76. Nilesh was named Player of the Match.
In the second match, CAB Vidarbha crushed CAB Railways by 77 runs, posting 156/3, anchored by Gaurav Zade’s 52. Railways were dismissed for 79, with Zade earning Player of the Match honours.