By Javed Iqbal
Pakistan blind cricket has two reasons for renewed confidence: a national squad preparing to challenge for the Asian title and recognition for a woman whose leadership has brought honour to the sport. The announcement of Pakistan’s team for the second Blind Cricket Asia Cup 2026, alongside the Prime Minister’s Youth Excellence Award for women’s captain Nirma Rafique, highlights the ambition and achievement of the country’s visually impaired cricketers.
Pakistan Blind Cricket Council Chairman Syed Sultan Shah announced the 17 member national squad for the tournament, scheduled to take place in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from November 14 to 20. Pakistan will compete against India, hosts Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. For the national side, the objective is clear: build on its international achievements and return home as Asian champions.
Speaking at the announcement in Karachi, Sultan Shah expressed confidence in the selected players and described the squad as strong and balanced. Captain Nisar Ali, vice captain Badar Munir, team manager Dr Professor Anwar Ali Siyal, Director Cricket Operations Bilal Satti and Director Marketing Salman Bukhari were also present. Their attendance underlined the shared responsibility behind Pakistan’s preparations for an important international assignment.
The squad comprises players from three categories. In B1, the selectors have chosen Zafar Iqbal, Shahzaib, Muhammad Idrees Saleem, Junaid Khan, Fakhar Abbas and Hamza Mehboob. The B2 group includes captain Nisar Ali, vice captain Badar Munir, Moeen Aslam, Nematullah and Babar Ali. Representing B3 are Muhammad Safdar, Matiullah, Talha Iqbal, Sanwal Shahzada, Kamran Akhtar and Naeemullah.
Together, these players carry the expectations of supporters familiar with Pakistan’s proud record in blind cricket. Sultan Shah recalled that the national team had already demonstrated its ability on the world stage by winning the T20 World Cup. That success provides encouragement, although the Asia Cup will demand fresh concentration, disciplined performances and effective teamwork against opponents equally determined to succeed.
Pakistan finished runners up in the inaugural Blind Cricket Asia Cup. This time, the council hopes a carefully assembled combination and determined approach will help the team take the final step. Sultan Shah congratulated the selected players and expressed hope that they would deliver performances worthy of their abilities, giving the nation another sporting achievement to celebrate.
The fixture attracting particular attention is Pakistan’s encounter with India on November 17. Meetings between the two countries bring considerable interest, and this match promises to be a significant test of Pakistan’s tournament ambitions. Sultan Shah said the players were determined to perform at their best and would make every effort to defeat their traditional rivals.
However, a successful campaign will require attention to every opponent. Bangladesh will be playing at home, while Sri Lanka and Afghanistan complete a competitive field. Sultan Shah acknowledged the capabilities of all participating teams and anticipated entertaining, high quality cricket. Pakistan’s challenge will be to maintain consistency throughout the competition rather than allow the importance of one fixture to overshadow the wider campaign.
The chairman also thanked Interloop Limited, HabibMetro Bank and PARCO for supporting the national team. Corporate backing has practical importance for athletes who need sustained opportunities to prepare and compete. By recognising these organisations, the council highlighted the contribution that sponsors can make to the development of blind cricket and the ambitions of players representing Pakistan internationally.
Alongside the men’s preparations, Nirma Rafique’s national recognition offers another encouraging story. The captain of Pakistan’s women’s blind cricket team has been honoured with the Prime Minister’s Youth Excellence Award 2026. The Pakistan Blind Cricket Council congratulated her, recognising a journey marked by dedication, leadership and achievements that have made her an inspiration for young people.
Her award brings attention to the women participating in a sport whose stories deserve a wider audience. Leadership involves more than directing a team during matches. It also means setting standards, encouraging others and sustaining belief through demanding circumstances. Nirma’s recognition offers an opportunity to appreciate those qualities and acknowledge the contribution of women to Pakistan’s blind cricket community.
For young people with visual impairments, seeing a national captain receive such recognition can make sporting ambitions feel more attainable. It reinforces the value of opportunity, encouragement and access to organised competition. Her achievement also gives families, educators and sporting organisations a reason to consider how they can help more young athletes discover and develop their abilities.
As the national squad prepares for Dhaka, Sultan Shah has appealed to Pakistanis to remember the players in their prayers. The coming tournament offers an opportunity to add an Asian title to Pakistan’s achievements, while Nirma’s award celebrates excellence already demonstrated. Together, these developments invite the country to follow its blind cricketers with greater attention and support, recognising both their competitive ambitions and the example they set through commitment, resilience and leadership.
