‘They said blind can’t play cricket, now we’re world champions’:3 girls from MP shine in India’s first blind women’s T20 world cup; each receive only ₹53,000 as prize money

Sunita Sarathe, a visually impaired cricketer from Nayagaon in Narmadapuram, Madhya Pradesh, once faced ridicule in her village for playing cricket. “People used to ask – how will a blind person play? What kind of cricket is this?” she recalls. Today, after leading India to victory in the first-ever Blind Women’s T20 World Cup by defeating Nepal, those same villagers are celebrating her achievement. Despite this historic success, Sunita has received only Rs 53,000 in prize money, reflecting the lack of official recognition and support. 3 daughters of MP shine on the world stage Sunita Sarathe was not alone. Alongside her, Sushma Patel from Damoh and Durga Yewale from Betul were part of the Indian team. Sonu Golkar, General Secretary of the Madhya Pradesh Blind Cricket Association (CABMP), said, “It is a moment of immense pride for us. India won all matches, and the performance of the three players from Madhya Pradesh was outstanding.” After the World Cup, the team had the opportunity to meet President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. Sunita recalls, “PM Modi congratulated us personally and even fed us ladoos. It was an unforgettable moment. President Murmu encouraged us and gave each of us a picture of Rashtrapati Bhavan along with a certificate as a memento.” From mockery to recognition Sunita, 28, has been visually impaired since childhood but never gave up on her studies or her love for cricket. Returning to her village four years ago, she began mentoring children aged 10–12, including Armaan. “When they saw me play, some villagers mocked me, saying, ‘She’s blind, how will she play?’ But now, after the World Cup, the same people are congratulating us,” she says. Sunita discovered blind cricket at a camp in Sohagpur organised by Sonu Golkar. From divisional to state, national, and then international competitions, she progressed to become a key player in India’s World Cup-winning squad. Family support amid hardship Sunita’s father, Manohar Sarathe, is a marginal farmer with only two acres of land. He also works as a door-to-door barber to support the family. Sunita has four siblings: two older sisters, Devki and Yashoda, who are married, and younger siblings Neetu, Deepak, and Hariom. Despite their financial struggles, Sunita’s parents never discouraged her. Her father says, “I am proud of the entire team and my daughter. They have brought glory to the country, state, and village. The government should support the three daughters of Madhya Pradesh with jobs.” Her mother, Anita Sarathe, adds, “I always believed my daughter would succeed one day.” The family lives in a kacha house with a tiled roof. Two rooms were recently built under the PM Awas scheme. With no television at home, Sunita’s younger sister Neetu watched the World Cup final live on her mobile. Lack of recognition and support Sunita expressed disappointment at the lack of government support in Madhya Pradesh. “States like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Karnataka gave prize money and government jobs to players. In MP, even after 10 days of our victory, we were not honoured or rewarded. We have only received Rs 53,000 as prize money. We want jobs and recognition for the three daughters of MP.” Historic victory in Sri Lanka The Blind Women’s T20 World Cup was held for the first time, featuring India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, and the USA. The Indian team, under the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) WBC, started on 11 November in New Delhi, followed by matches in Bengaluru. The final was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. India chased Nepal’s target of 115 runs, losing three wickets in 12.1 overs. Sunita Sarathe played a crucial role as an all-rounder, taking Nepal’s first wicket with a remarkable throw and helping secure the historic victory.