Blind Cricket Explained — How Cricket Is Played by the Visually Impaired
Blind cricket is a modified version of the sport played by visually impaired participants using a larger, audible ball. Learn how blind cricket works, what the three classifications of visual impairment are, and how the ICC World Blind Cricket Cup operates.
Blind cricket is an adapted version of cricket designed for players who are fully blind or have severely limited sight. It uses a modified ball — larger than a standard cricket ball, filled with ball bearings or pellets that rattle to give the batsman and fielders an audible cue to the ball's location. The game is played in partnerships with sighted assistants and a calling system that allows players to engage with the game even when they cannot visually track the ball.
The three player classifications
| Class | Visual ability | Role |
|---|---|---|
| B1 | Totally blind — no light perception | Bats and bowls with caller assistance |
| B2 | Light perception to limited sight | Bats and bowls; some visual tracking possible |
| B3 | Better sight — can see ball clearly at close range | Bats, bowls, and fields with fewer restrictions |
Each team must include a specific number of B1, B2, and B3 players in their playing XI. This ensures that games are inclusive of all levels of visual impairment rather than being dominated by players with partial sight.
Key rule adaptations
The audible ball rolls along the ground rather than being bowled through the air — the bowler delivers the ball underarm or medium-paced overarm along the pitch in a bouncing motion, and the ball reaches the batsman at ankle to knee height with a rattling sound. The batsman calls 'ready' before each delivery; the bowler calls 'play' at the moment of release. Fielders follow the sound of the ball to track it. Boundaries are the same as conventional cricket — a ball reaching the rope scores four; clearing it scores six.
Blind cricket competitions
The ICC World Blind Cricket Council (IBCC) oversees international blind cricket. The premier competition is the T20 World Cup for the Blind, contested between national teams including India, Pakistan, England, Australia, South Africa, and Bangladesh. India and Pakistan are historically the strongest sides and have dominated international competition. The competitions attract significant followings in South Asia, where blind cricket has a long-established history of formal organisation and fan interest.
Frequently asked questions
Is blind cricket recognised by the ICC?
The ICC has an affiliation with the International Blind Cricket Council (IBCC), which governs the sport internationally. However, blind cricket is not currently part of the ICC's main tournament calendar in the same way that mainstream international cricket is. It operates through the IBCC with national associations in each country organising domestic and international competitions.
How does the audible ball differ from a standard cricket ball?
The blind cricket ball is typically larger — roughly the size of a tennis ball — and made of a harder plastic casing that contains loose ball bearings or similar objects. When the ball moves, the internal objects rattle loudly, giving players an audible signal. The ball cannot swing or seam in the same way as a standard cricket ball, which changes the character of blind cricket bowling compared to the sighted game.
Can a sighted person watch and enjoy blind cricket?
Yes. Blind cricket is fast-paced, physically demanding, and tactically interesting. The unique scoring system and the extraordinary skill required to bat, bowl, and field under severe visual impairment makes it compelling viewing. YouTube channels and streaming services occasionally broadcast the T20 World Cup for the Blind, attracting viewers across South Asia especially.