Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe has shared his experience of playing blind cricket, saying the sport demonstrated how cricket can help break barriers and create greater inclusion for persons with disabilities.
Abeysinghe took part in the “Beyond Boundaries” Inclusive Cricket Event organized by the Sri Lanka Council for the Blind in Kotte, accompanied by his two daughters.
“Cricket is a beautiful game, and it should be for all,” he said, noting that cricket is one of Sri Lanka’s most loved sports and questioning how persons with disabilities could be left behind.
Describing his first-hand experience of blind cricket, Abeysinghe said its basic rules are largely similar to conventional cricket, although players use different techniques and specially adapted equipment.
The ball is made of hard plastic and produces a sound that allows players to track its movement, while steel wickets create an audible noise when struck. Bowling is performed underarm.
He explained that blind cricket players are classified into three categories: B1 for players who are completely blind, B2 for those with very limited vision and B3 for those with a higher degree of vision but limited visual clarity.
According to Abeysinghe, an 11-member team consists of three B1, four B2 and four B3 players. Runs scored by B1 players receive additional weighting under the rules.
However, Abeysinghe said what impressed him most was the confidence, determination and enjoyment displayed by the players.
“The level of confidence and enjoyment is beyond explanation,” he said, adding that the experience was a reminder that people with disabilities continue to push boundaries despite the challenges they face.
Abeysinghe also highlighted the role of Sri Lanka’s first visually impaired parliamentarian, Sugath Wasantha, saying he and the wider community were breaking barriers and contributing toward policy changes aimed at creating a more inclusive society.
The deputy minister said he was pleased that Kotte had been selected to host the event and described participating alongside his daughters as an opportunity to learn not only about cricket, but also about life. (Newswire)
