Edgbaston to host World Blind Games cricket final

Edgbaston has underlined its commitment to disability sport after agreeing to host the final of the cricket competition at this month’s IBSA World Blind Games.

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2023-08-25T12:53:09.000Z

Cricket features in the Games – being hosted in Birmingham – for the first time with five men’s teams (England, Australia, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh) and three women’s sides (England, Australia and India) taking part.

The teams – made up of blind and visually impaired players – will compete in a round robin group stage with the top two progressing to the final at Edgbaston on 26 August.

Edgbaston Operations Director Claire Daniel said the Club wanted to offer teams a chance to play at one of cricket’s most iconic venues – and to further raise awareness and increase participation in disability cricket.

“It should be a great occasion and an opportunity for players to showcase their talent on the big stage. Tickets are free and I’d encourage people to come along and show their support. It’s played at a fast pace and the skill levels are amazing.”

Teams are made up of B1 (blind), B2 and B3 (partially blind) players who bowl underarm with a white, plastic compound ball with loose parts inside so players can hear the ball rattling when it’s in motion.

Bears players Ed Barnard and Michael Burgess spent time with the squads during an England warm-up game against the Aussies at Old Elizabethan’s CC in Worcester.

They were given the chance to bat and bowl in goggles simulating the range of visual impairment and truly appreciate the skill levels involved.

After the nets session Barnard said: “They were bowling it down at a decent pace, and it was tough. It really makes you appreciate the skill levels involved, just to hit the ball let alone hitting fours and sixes, I was seriously impressed.

“These guys are brilliant at what they do and hopefully there will be a decent turnout for the final at Edgbaston to cheer them on.”

“Warwickshire very much has a one-club feel and that’s shown at the end of season dinner when the men’s, women’s, seniors and disability teams come together. We all want to support each other to succeed.”

Moshfique Ahmed, part of England Men’s 15-strong squad, suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2017 which led to him losing his sight overnight.

He said cricket has changed his life. “I was in a bad place. But cricket has really helped me mentally and physically, given me the motivation and confidence that I’d lost.

“I was invited to come to a trial last year, got selected for England, and I’m loving it! It’s such a proud thing for me to be wearing an England shirt.”