New Delhi, 10 June (H.S.):

In a significant initiative aimed at advancing cricket opportunities for visually impaired athletes in India, IIFL Home Finance has partnered with the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) and Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled. As part of the collaboration, the three organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote and strengthen blind cricket.

Under the partnership, the India-Nepal Bilateral Blind Cricket Series will be held in the Delhi-NCR region in October 2026. The series will feature five T20 matches between the two neighbouring nations.

The initiative aims to provide visually impaired cricketers with a platform to compete at the international level, increase awareness of blind cricket across the country, and encourage greater participation in the sport.

IIFL Home Finance stated that the programme forms part of its broader vision of inclusive development and creating opportunities for underserved sections of society. The organisation believes that sports not only provide a platform for talent but also serve as a powerful vehicle for confidence-building and social transformation.

Speaking on the occasion, Aarti Marwaha, Chief Human Resources Officer of IIFL Home Finance, said, “We believe in creating opportunities that foster inclusion, confidence and long-term social impact. This partnership with Samarthanam Trust and CABI is an important step toward building a more inclusive sporting ecosystem for visually impaired athletes.”

Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, President of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India, emphasized the transformative role of blind cricket in empowering players.

“Blind cricket provides visually impaired athletes with opportunities for leadership, teamwork, self-confidence and professional growth. Structured training, competitive tournaments and international exposure have enabled these players to overcome social barriers and earn recognition at both national and global levels. We are grateful to IIFL Home Finance for supporting the growth of this sport,” he said.

According to the organisers, the India-Nepal series will bring together talented visually impaired cricketers from both countries, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their skills, determination and sporting spirit.

The tournament is expected not only to elevate the profile of blind cricket but also to raise awareness among the wider sporting community, disability rights groups and the general public.

The initiative is also expected to strengthen IIFL Home Finance’s community-focused social responsibility efforts while contributing to the promotion of an inclusive sporting culture across India.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar