Spirit of Cricket Shines as India-Pakistan Blind Women Cricketers Exchange Handshakes Amid Political Turmoil

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India and Pakistan’s blind women cricketers captured global attention after exchanging a heartfelt handshake following the game. The moment, filled with grace and mutual respect, broke through decades of rivalry and won massive praise online.

Viral Sportsmanship

The India and Pakistan Blind women's teams kept aside political tensions on Sunday (November 17, 2025) by shaking hands at the Women's T20 World Cup for the Blind 2025. 

Both sides warmly greeted each other after the conclusion of the match. 

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India won by eight wickets in just 10.2 overs after Pakistan were restricted to 135 for eight in their 20 overs. Pakistan’s B3 Mehreen Ali anchored almost entirely by a superb 66 off 57 balls. Her innings brought stability after Pakistan’s top order crumbled to 23/4 inside six overs. B3 Bushra Ashraf revived the innings with a determined 44 off 38 balls, keeping the scoreboard moving through sharp running and well-judged placement.

Chasing 136, skipper Deepika TC ignited the chase with a stunning 45 off just 21 balls, striking at an astonishing 214.29. Anekha Devi took centre stage with a magnificent unbeaten 64 off 34 balls. India eased to victory, extending their unbeaten march through the tournament. Anekha Devi was named Player of the Match for her authoritative, match-winning performance.

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India-Pakistan Handshake Drama

Indian cricketers have avoided handshakes and sharing pleasantries with their Pakistan counterparts, followed by political tensions between the two nations. 

Tensions off and on the field have been high since a deadly military clash between the nuclear-armed neighbours in May. India's men refused to shake hands with their Pakistani opponents at the Asia Cup in September, since when neither side has shown signs of making up.

That trend continued as women’s teams declined each time at the recently concluded World Cup and the ongoing men's Rising Stars Asia Cup tie.

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However, the blind women’s teams travelled to the venue together in the same bus, not only shook hands but also exchanged generous compliments.

Women’s Empowerment

Indian team manager Shika Shetty said before the match that the tournament was opening up opportunities for more women.

"This is the first-ever World Cup for blind women... I think this is one of the biggest opportunities for our entire visually impaired girls," said Shetty.

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"Maybe many girls with disabilities will come out from their villages. Maybe they will come for studies, maybe they will come for the sport. So it is helpful for other girls too."

World Cup for Blind Women 

Blind cricket relies on a sharp ear, as players must detect a white plastic ball, the size of a tennis ball, which is filled with ball bearings that rattle as it moves.

Each team must field at least four completely blind players, three who can see up to two metres, and four partially sighted players able to see up to about six metres. Totally blind batters may have a partially sighted runner. The bowling method is underarm, which is unlike the traditional game.

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Four other nations - Australia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the US are competing in the tournament, which began in India and moved to Sri Lanka for the final stages. The final is scheduled for next Sunday (November 23, 2025) in Colombo.