Blind Cricket: Second T20 marred by controversy

Official initially docked India 12 runs for slow over rate, but reversed the decision after pressure from the Indians.

LAHORE:

The second T20 match between Pakistan and India’s blind cricket teams ended in controversy after a dispute over the tourist’s slow over rate. Batting first, India made 200 runs in 20 overs. In response, Pakistan managed only 195  for the loss of six wickets.

However, match officials declared that India would be docked 12 runs from their total because their bowlers had maintained a slow over-rate. Consequently, the officials declared that Pakistan had won the match by four wickets. However, under pressure from the Indian Blind Cricket Council’s threat to boycott the third T20, India was eventually  awarded a five-run victory. The third match of the series will be played today.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 20^th, 2011.