The inspiring blind cricketers defying the odds
‘Keep your eye on the ball’ - it’s one of the oldest coaching mantras in cricket. But one group of trailblazing cricketers are defying the odds to show you don't need to be able to see to play exhilarating cricket.
Through countless hours of practice, England’s visually impaired cricket team have developed a unique way of sensing the game - from the sound of the ball’s movement to the feel of the grass under their feet. The team are gearing up to compete at the International Blind Sport Federation (IBSA) World Games in Birmingham later this month - with cricket being included for the first time.
There’s a final at Edgbaston Cricket Ground on offer for the two finalists - with teams from across the world competing for gold. But while they might be fierce competitors on the pitch, all players are united in their belief that blind cricket is on the rise - and the world needs to know about it.
Visually impaired cricket is an adapted version of the game suitable for anyone partially sighted or totally blind. The rules of blind cricket are based on the standard laws of the game with some essential modifications - the main one being the ball, which is filled with ball bearings to provide audible clues to the players on the pitch.
The rattle of the ball was the first sound I heard as I walked up to Old Elizabethans CC in Worcester - where the England team are based ahead of the Games. The second was the roar of the crowd as England smashed the ball for another boundary in their final warm-up game against Australia.
The bowling, which is done underarm and is required to pitch at least twice when bowled to a completely blind batsman, is pacey and probing. The batting is aggressive and direct with balls smashed away for six with ease. As a spectator sport, it’s exhilarating.
Visually impaired cricket offers players a sense of belonging and community many lose when they turn blind. But as captain Ed Hossell points out, they are first and foremost a cricket team - and they’re here to win matches.
“It’s a huge honour to be representing England at the World Blind Games,” he said. “I started losing my sight a couple of years ago.
“Visually impaired cricket has given me a great outlet to push myself and play competitive cricket again. It’s a great way to deal with something life-altering in a really positive way.”
“Blind cricket has changed my life,” said Moshifique Ahmed. The 41-year-old is completely blind and says cricket helped guide him out of a ‘very dark place. “It’s really helped me physically and mentally.
“I’m loving it. I’m so proud to wear an England shirt and represent my country. My family always comes to cheer me on. My social life has suffered since I lost my sight, but here I feel welcome and can meet new people.”
The final of the cricket tournament - should England qualify - will be held at the prestigious Edgbaston Stadium. For Mohamed Khatri, an all-rounder, the chance to play on the same ground as his cricketing heroes would be a ‘dream come true.’
“I’m really excited to be involved in this series. We’d love to win and get to the final at Edgbaston - but there’s good teams competing. India and Pakistan are the favourites but if we play well there’s no reason why we can't beat them. To play on the same pitch where T20 internationals and the Ashes are held would be a dream come true.”
The 2023 International Blind Sport Federation (IBSA) World Games is taking place at venues across the city between August 18-27. Cricket is featured in the competition for the first time this year – and the final will be played at Edgbaston on August 26. For more information click here.
