Indian blind cricket team refuse Rs.10 lakh cash prize

The Blind T20 Cricket World Cup winning Indian cricket team has refused a Rs 10 lakh cash prize announced by sports minister Vijay Goel on Monday. 

Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) said the team will not be accepting the prize as the team were "expecting more".

CABI president GK Mahantesh, while expressing jubilance over the victory, expressed his disappointment for not yet being recognised by the government.

"Our boys are a little disappointed. Last time, when our boys won the World Cup, they got Rs.5 lakh each. So, this time they were expecting more. Hopefully, bigger cash prizes will be announced," Mahantesh told ANI.

"I don't know if it is for the team or individual. If it is for the team [cash prize of Rs.10 lakhs], they won't accept it. They don't want the cash prize," he added.

The CABI president further called on the government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to give them the official recognition.

"The sad part is we are still struggling for resources. The government is yet to give us official recognition. In 2002, when Pakistan won the World Cup, immediately they were recognised. That is the kind of speed other countries are working. I don't know why our government is sleeping on it," he said.

"They should quickly react. It would be great if the government and BCCI react and recognise, embrace and endorse this (CABI). It's a shame because if they don't do. Our boys have won four championships in the last four years."

"It is high time they respond and positively recognise this otherwise it's a big insult to our country," he added.

The ANI report also mentioned that the sports minister had earlier said that his ministry would think about giving recognition to the Blind Cricket Federation. He congratulated the Indian team and was impressed that 30,000 spectators showed up to watch the world cup. 

"The BCCI should give affiliation to the Blind Cricket Federation. I have not talked to the BCCI officials till now regarding this matter. Once I talk to them, I would be able to know what are their problems regarding the same," he added.

India defeated Pakistan by nine wickets in the final to lift the trophy at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium earlier this month.