| SANZAF reaches out to the blind |
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By Roshan Davids Blind cricket is a version of cricket adapted for blind and partially sighted players. The rules of blind cricket are based on the standard laws of cricket with some essential modifications. In terms of playing equipment, the major adaptation is the ball, which is significantly larger than a standard cricket ball and which is filled with ball bearings. The size allows partially sighted players to see the ball and the contents allow blind players to hear it. Players are divided into three classes, namely Totally Blind, Partially Blind and Partially Sighted. The stumps are also larger, to allow partially sighted players to see and blind players to touch it in order to correctly orient themselves when batting or bowling. Other modifications include verbal signals are widely used both by umpires and players. For example, the bowler must shout ‘Play!’ as he releases the ball. The delivery is required to pitch at least twice when bowled to a completely blind batsman (once when bowled to a partially sighted batsman), but must not be rolling. Totally blind batsmen cannot be out, and must be found to be LBW twice before going out. Totally blind fielders are allowed to take a catch on the bounce. The South African National Zakah Fund will be hosting a Blind Cricket Day on April at the Silver Star Mowbray Grounds, opposite the Hartleyvale Stadium from 9am to 12.45pm. This event will run concurrently with a bout of Mini Cricket for 6 to 9-year-olds, with children from around the Cape Peninsula. The purpose of this event for the blind and the children is two-fold: to support the blind and to encourage children to do the same by means of a sport like cricket. The initiative will directly benefit blind people by providing an opportunity for them to participate in a sport that can be enjoyed by themselves and by sighted people. The children, on the other hand, are both beneficiaries and benefactors in that they can enjoy their passion cricket for cricket at a tender age while also learning how to empathise with blind and partially people. The event is designed to inculcate an appreciation in the child for physical challenges faced by others through a social activity like sport. Furthermore, SANZAF is creating an awareness of Zakah in the growing child by connecting this pillar of Islam to the needs of the visually impaired. Cricket is the means, but the ultimate aim is to build a generation of adults dedicated to the balance of true giving and receiving. The young child at play for the benefit of the blind is a supremely exemplary case in point. Brendan Germishuys of the Western Province Cricket Association Mini Cricket and Zonal Co-ordinator is assisting with the Mini Cricket while SANZAF is co-ordinating the Blind Cricket leg of the event. This fund-raiser is open to all people and it is designated as an annual event. There is no attendance fee and food will be on sale at stalls. For donations and further enquiries please contact the head office of SANZAF in Salt River at 021 4470297 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it |
