CABI seeks match fee hike from BCCI for blind cricketers

CABI chairman GK Mahantesh at MCA-BKC facility on Wednesday. Pic/Subodh Mayure

India's blind cricket team players, who are eyeing their second T20 Blind Asia Cup title in Bangladesh in November, are struggling financially, prompting the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) chairman GK Mahantesh to seek more support from the BCCI.

"Last year the BCCI promised to support us with airfare whenever India's blind cricket teams travel abroad - for two men's and women's tournaments every year. Also, for any bilateral series in India, they have assured accommodation and some other expenses, but we need more help. I feel very embarrassed to say this.

We give only Rs 1,000 as match fees to each player for domestic games and Rs 3,000 for every international match. Most of our cricketers come from very humble backgrounds with many male cricketers not having decent jobs. I request the BCCI to help us increase the match fees to Rs 10,000 for domestic games and Rs 30,000 for international matches for each player," Mahantesh told mid-day at the MCA-BKC facility on Wednesday.

"BCCI have always been very positive and under the leadership of [ex-BCCI president and current ICC chairman Shah] Jay Shah bhai, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and president Mithun Manhas, we are confident that whatever they announced last year, will come true, beginning with this Asia Cup," added Mahantesh.

The CABI chairman is confident that the Indian blind men's team will win the second T20 Blind Asia Cup. India beat arch-rivals Pakistan in the inaugural edition in 2016 in Kochi. "The most exciting match at the Asia Cup will be between India and Pakistan on November 17. We have played them in the past and are confident that we will retain the championship. The camp for our probables will begin in New Delhi next week," Mahantesh signed off.

MCA expands TML with ninth franchise for Rs 106.88 crore

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Wednesday announced Aspect Sports as the successful bidder for the ninth franchise of the T20 Mumbai League.

The franchise will represent Navi Mumbai. The franchise rights have been awarded for Rs 106.88 crore over a six-year period.