T20 Blind Cricket WC trophy unveiled

The trophy unveiling ceremony for the Fourth T20 Blind Cricket World Cup, being organised by Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC), was held at Alhamra Hall No 1 on Friday.

The impressive event was attended by players and officials from South Africa, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and host nation Pakistan. Notable dignitaries including Punjab's Provincial Minister for Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar, World Blind Cricket Council President Syed Sultan Shah, Punjab Secretary for Sports Muzaffar Khan Sial, Director General Punjab Sports Muhammad Khizar Afzal, PCB Senior General Manager Junaid Zia, Pakistan's first blind judge Yousaf Saleem were also present.

The attendees were shown a documentary on the World Cup which was followed by cultural dances representing the four provinces, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

A special highlight was the performance by Adriana Galani, a blind singer from Austria, who captivated the audience with her rendition of national songs.

Punjab Sports Minister Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar welcomed all participating teams. "Hosting the Fourth T20 Blind Cricket World Cup is a great honour for Pakistan. Sports unite nations and eliminate hate, and this event will project a peaceful and positive image of Pakistan globally," he said.

PBCC Chairman Syed Sultan Shah highlighted Pakistan's standing as a leading team in blind cricket globally. He also criticized the Indian Ministry of External Affairs for denying permission to the Indian blind cricket team for the World Cup .

The PBCC chairman assured that Punjab's government had made foolproof security arrangements for all participating teams. The ceremony concluded with team captains unveiling the trophy alongside the Punjab Sports Minister and PBCC Chairman. Additionally, Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Saleem Akbar Qureshi and Tariq Mahmood for their significant contributions to promoting blind cricket in Pakistan.