President GK Mahantesh: BCCI support needed, but we can't lose CABI identity

CABI president GK Mahantesh (left) and secretary John David at the BCCI headquarters in Churchgate yesterday. Pic/Bipin Kokate

Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) officials yesterday clarified that while they seek support and recognition from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), they will need to retain the identity of their association.

During a press conference at the BCCI's Wankhede Stadium head office, (CABI) President GK Mahantesh and Secretary John David claimed that the CABI's individual identity needed to be maintained as they are affiliated to World Blind Cricket Limited, the global body for blind cricketers. "We would like to retain CABI because we have an association with World Blind Cricket Limited, which governs blind cricket globally. We met International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO David Richardson requesting him to affiliate World Blind Cricket Ltd with cricket's global parent body. He seemed keen and said that the ICC are working out a new strategy on these lines. To remain a part of World Blind Cricket Ltd, it is important for India to have CABI. So, while we are keen to be a part of BCCI, we need to retain our identity separately," said Mahantesh.

Meanwhile, CABI is awaiting an official announcement from the BCCI regarding their affiliation and also expects financial rewards for their World Cup-winning blind team members. They have also requested BCCI for a professional coach ahead of their tour to Sri Lanka next month.

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