Blind Cricket South Africa (BCSA) proudly announces its role as the host for the upcoming South Africa vs New Zealand International Blind Cricket Series, featuring 2 prominent nations: South Africa and New Zealand. The series is scheduled to take place from 19 to 28 February 2024 across both the City of Johannesburg and Tshwane, showcasing an exciting and competitive display of talent in the realm of blind cricket. This series will consist of 6 T20 Internationals and a One Day International match to cap off the tour.
Event Highlights:
National Blind Cricket Participants: South Africa and New Zealand.
Dates: 19 February 2024 to 28 February 2024.
Venues: Matches will be held at prominent cricketing grounds across Gauteng, providing an opportunity for fans to witness the captivating matches in person and allowing our international guests to explore the Greater Gauteng region.
Fantastic cricket venues such as Pirates Sports Club, DP World Wanderers Stadium, Laudium Cricket Oval and Tshwane University of Technology Cricket Oval are all set to host the blind cricket spectacle.
Schedule:
Mon 19 Feb 2024: New Zealand Warm-up T20 Match, Johannesburg
Mon 19 Feb 2024: South Africa Warm-up T20 Match, Johannesburg
Tue 20 Feb 2024: South Africa vs New Zealand, 10:00, T20 Match 1, Pirates Sports Club
Wed 21 Feb 2024: South Africa vs New Zealand, 10:00, T20 Match 2, Pirates Sports Club
Fri 23 Feb 2024: South Africa vs New Zealand, 10:00, T20 Match 3, Pirates Sports Club
Sat 24 Feb 2024: South Africa vs New Zealand, 10:00, T20 Match 4, Pirates Sports Club
Sun 25 Feb 2024: South Africa vs New Zealand, 10:00, T20 Match 5, TUT
Tue 27 Feb 2024: South Africa vs New Zealand, 10:00, T20 Match 6, Laudium
Wed 28 Feb 2024: South Africa vs New Zealand, 9:00, ODI, Wanderers Stadium
Wed 28 Feb 2024: Closing Awards Ceremony, 18:00, Closing Dinner & Prize-giving, Johannesburg (By invitation only)
Blind cricket is a unique and dynamic form of the sport, requiring exceptional skills and teamwork. The South Africa vs New Zealand International Blind Cricket Series aims to not only celebrate the prowess of these remarkable athletes but also raise awareness about blind cricket and promote inclusivity in sports.
Quotes:
BCSA’s National co-ordinators says “This series presents a great opportunity to introduce the beauty of blind cricket to the people and community around Gauteng, throughout Johannesburg and Pretoria. It is also an equal opportunity to showcase the beauty of South Africa and feel the ubuntu spirit of its people in our beloved country to a global audience. This presents a unique and exciting opportunity to unite these nations, particularly given our positive rapport with New Zealand, who engaged in a memorable series against the Protea Blind team in 2020 in Cape Town. We are elated that they express enthusiasm to compete once again and explore another region of our beautiful country. The upcoming T20 Blind Cricket World Cup in Pakistan later this year in November adds an extra layer of significance to the series for us at BCSA. The diverse cultural, racial, disability and religious backgrounds from both teams beautifully showcase the rich tapestry of South Africa, epitomising the cultural amalgamation that defines our nation through our beloved game of blind cricket”
Live Scoring Services:
The matches will be available for Live scoring, ensuring that fans from around the world can witness the thrill of blind cricket.
Social Impact:
Beyond the cricketing spectacle, Blind Cricket South Africa emphasises the social impact of the series. By showcasing the abilities of visually impaired athletes, the event aims to break down stereotypes and promote a more inclusive society.
Support and Partnerships:
Blind Cricket South Africa wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed municipalities, namely the City of Johannesburg and the City of Tshwane, for their unwavering support in making the South Africa vs New Zealand International Blind Cricket Series a reality. We extend our thanks to the Gauteng Department of Sports for recognizing and celebrating the spirit of sportsmanship. Our sincere appreciation goes to our private sector sponsors, including Hollywood Bets, Coca Cola, and Ashaful Aid, whose generous contributions have played a pivotal role in bringing this international event to fruition. We also acknowledge the dedicated efforts of volunteers and individuals who have selflessly supported our cause. Special thanks to Cricket South Africa, the Northerns Cricket Union, and the Lions Cricket Union for their significant contributions and invaluable assistance. Together, this collaborative effort ensures the success of the series and promotes inclusivity in the realm of cricket.
Get Involved:
Cricket enthusiasts, supporters of inclusivity, and sports fans are encouraged to engage with the South Africa vs New Zealand International Blind Cricket Series on social media using the hashtag #BlindCricketSeries and by following the official handles of Blind Cricket South Africa.