THE 2018 KZN blind cricket season is about to begin and the sport is on the hunt for new talent.
Blind cricket is played by people with visual impairments, both those who are totally blind as well as partially sighted players.
“After the KZN team reached the final of a triangular tournament against Central Gauteng and Boland in Newcastle in December, the time has come for players to return to the field and get the 2018 season underway,” said KZN’s blind cricket co-ordinator, Ndu Nyawose.
Blind cricket has the same format as normal cricket with a few modifications.
The ball is made from a hard white plastic with steel bearings inside that make a noise when in motion.
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The stumps are usually bright red and made from metal to make a noise when the ball makes contact.
Players are divided into three sight categories; B1 is for the blind, B2 is for the partially sighted with low vision and B3 is for the partially sighted with slightly better vision than B2 players.
Each starting line up of 11 must have four B1 and a minimum of three B2 players.
All players in KZN will be attending practice sessions together every week for about a month under the supervision of the KZN head coach and management staff. Thereafter, clubs will separate and train on their own in the lead up to the KZN Blind Cricket League.
“People with visual disabilities are encouraged and invited to attend the training sessions and perhaps end up finding themselves representing the national team one day at a Blind Cricket World Cup. More than just playing, the sport also allows individuals who may have suffered visual loss or been born with it the chance to interact with others with similar issues,” said Ndu.
Training sessions will be held at Kingsmead Stadium or the Kingsmead Oval each Saturday.
Contact the provincial co-ordinators Ndu on 082 962 2006 or Donovan on 084 567 8146.
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