Mumbai

The 12th edition of the Siyaram’s National Cricket Tournament for the Blind concluded in thrilling fashion at the historic CCI–Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, celebrating the exceptional talent, resilience and sportsmanship of visually impaired cricketers from across India.

Defending champions Gujarat once again emerged victorious, clinching the prestigious Siyaram’s Cup after defeating Karnataka in the final. With the win, Gujarat successfully defended their title and continued their impressive dominance in the national blind cricket circuit.

The three-day tournament, held from January 13 to 15, 2026, was organised by Siyaram’s in collaboration with the Blind Welfare Organisation (BWO). The championship brought together top blind cricket teams from different parts of the country, underlining Siyaram’s continued commitment to promoting inclusivity and empowerment through sport.

Batting first in the final, Gujarat posted a formidable total of 212 runs in 15 overs. The innings was anchored by captain Sanjay Darwada, who delivered a superb unbeaten knock of 78 runs. Karnataka responded with determination but were eventually dismissed for 88 runs, as Gujarat maintained control to seal a comprehensive victory.

Gujarat’s Hitesh Patel was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance, while Yogesh of Karnataka received the Player of the Series award for his consistent batting throughout the tournament. Patel also finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, claiming 10 wickets.

Teams representing Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh competed in this year’s edition, making it one of the most competitive and closely fought tournaments in the event’s history.

Blind cricket is governed by specialised rules to ensure accessibility and fairness. Players are categorised into three groups—B1 for completely blind players, B2 for those with up to 75 per cent vision impairment, and B3 for partially sighted players with up to 60 per cent vision loss. The ball used in the game contains ball bearings to produce sound, enabling players to track its movement, while team composition is carefully balanced across categories.

Commenting on the successful conclusion of the tournament, Ramesh Poddar, Chairman and Managing Director of Siyaram Silk Mills Ltd., said the event represented much more than a sporting competition.

“For Siyaram’s, this tournament is a celebration of courage, resilience and the true spirit of sport. As we mark the 12th edition and witness Gujarat defend their title once again, our commitment to supporting blind cricket and providing a national platform for these remarkable athletes remains unwavering,” he said.

Over the years, the Siyaram’s National Cricket Tournament for the Blind has grown steadily in scale and stature, earning widespread appreciation from sports fans and the general public alike. The increasing competitiveness and quality of play reflect the rapid progress of blind cricket in India.

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With its continued backing of the tournament, Siyaram’s has reaffirmed its dedication to nurturing sporting talent, encouraging inclusivity and strengthening the future of blind cricket in the country.