Indian Blind Cricket team won't accept Rs.10 lakhs cash prize announced by sports minister

The Indian Blind Cricket team who recently won the Blind T20 World Cup beating Pakistan in the Final has refused a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakhs announced by the sports minister of the country Vijay Goel on Monday. Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) won’t be accepting the cash prize offered by the government as they were expecting much more.

CABI president GK Mahantesh besides expressing his jubilance over the World Cup triumph was also a tad disappointed at not being recognised by the government even after winning two World Cups in short span of time.

“Our boys are a little disappointed. Last time, when our boys won the World Cup, they got Rs.5 lakh each. So, this time they were expecting more. Hopefully, bigger cash prizes will be announced,” Mahantesh was quoted as saying by ANI. “I don’t know if it is for the team or individual. If it is for the team [cash prize of Rs.10 lakhs], they won’t accept it. They don’t want the cash prize,” he further added.

The President further urged the government and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to give them the official recognition. “The sad part is we are still struggling for resources. The government is yet to give us official recognition. In 2002, when Pakistan won the World Cup, immediately they were recognised. That is the kind of speed other countries are working. I don’t know why our government is sleeping on it,” he said.

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“They should quickly react. It would be great if the government and BCCI react and recognise, embrace and endorse this (CABI). It’s a shame because if they don’t do. Our boys have won four championships in the last four years. It is high time they respond and positively recognise this otherwise it’s a big insult to our country,” he added.

According to reports from ANI, the sports minister had said that they were thinking of giving proper recognition to the Blind Cricket Federation. He was also impressed with 30,000 spectators coming out to watch the India-Pakistan final in the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.

“The BCCI should give affiliation to the Blind Cricket Federation. I have not talked to the BCCI officials till now regarding this matter. Once I talk to them, I would be able to know what are their problems regarding the same,” he said. India defeated Pakistan quite comprehensively in the final by 8 wickets to lift the trophy for the 2nd time.