Kathmandu, 26 Nov: Nepal has achieved a great feat by becoming the runner-up in the first Women’s T-20 Blind Cricket World Cup. However, the Nepali women’s blind cricket team is not satisfied. The captain of the Nepali team, Geeta Paudel, is frustrated for not being able to win the World Cup and create history.
Nepal had to console themselves with the runner-up position after losing the final against co-host India in the final held last Sunday at the P. Sara Oval Cricket Ground in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) honored the players of the runner-up team and also provided a prize of 10 lakh rupees to the Nepal Blind Cricket Association. Two days ago, India won the title remaining undefeated in this World Cup which also featured Australia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the USA. Nepal, however, only lost to India in the tournament. Nepal had defeated Australia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka in the group stage. After that, they defeated Pakistan again in the semi-final.
Captain Geeta says, “There was a good opportunity to win the World Cup, but I feel sad that we couldn’t cross the final hurdle due to lack of preparation, resources, and other reasons. Although becoming the World Cup runner-up is a big thing despite the lack of resources, we are still not satisfied. It feels like we couldn’t utilize the full potential we had.”
Two years ago, the Nepali women’s team had defeated champion India 4-1 in a five-match series held at the Mulpani Cricket Ground. That’s why Captain Geeta expressed her reaction about missing the chance to become the World Champion. President of the Nepal Blind Cricket Association, Pawan Ghimire, also says that since they had easily won the series against India, they were confident that they would win the World Cup too. “But, India had invested in blind cricket and had prepared for a long time. Perhaps if our preparation had been better, we would definitely have become world champions,” he says.
The Nepali women’s blind team did not get much attention even when they went to play the World Cup. That team had to struggle even to get a ground for practice. According to Captain Geeta, since they couldn’t get a ground in Kathmandu, they had to go to Pokhara to practice. The team practiced at the Small Cricket Academy.
According to Captain Geeta, there was very little support before going to play the World Cup. The 16 players in the team had to manage their practice jerseys themselves. She mentioned that they don’t have big desires, but they would be happy even if they get some basic facilities. “We would be happy if we get remuneration during the game time itself. We don’t demand a separate stadium, but the ground should be easily available when we want to play. Resources are needed. Overall, we would be satisfied if we get the necessary balls, bats, jerseys, shoes, and the ground for the players,” she said. Captain Geeta, who expressed great happiness for being honored at the Tri-van University ground during the ongoing NPL, hopes that this is just the beginning. She said, “This honor has given us the feeling that we won’t be left alone in the coming days.”
Similarly, President Ghimire said that his team has given the message that the blind can show the world, and added, “We are feeling like first-class citizens, not second-class.” President Ghimire is blind himself. President Ghimire also expressed happiness for getting the opportunity to present the issues of blind cricket to Prime Minister Sushila Karki a day ago. He said, “The Prime Minister has also promised to help.” Prime Minister Karki had called the team to the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar and congratulated them.
