Legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar has called on the BCCI to recognize the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) and bring its players under the Board’s pension scheme. Tendulkar wrote to the Committee of Administrator’s (CoA) chairman Vinod Rai, urging him to consider acceptance for CABI, weeks after the team won the Blind World Cup 2018, beating Pakistan by two wickets in the final on January 20.

In his letter, Sachin wrote, “As we celebrate the fourth consecutive victory of the Indian team in the Blind World Cup, I urge you to consider recognition of Cricket Association for the Blind in India by the BCCI.”

The legendary cricketer was impressed with the team’s fighting spirit, praising it as an example for others to follow. He wrote, “The team has overcome many hurdles and single-mindedly focussed on getting laurels for our country. Their victory is inspirational and reminds us of the limitless power of the human mind. I am given to understand that the BCCI has lent its support to these players in the past and considering a similar initiative this time too.”

Also read: India blind cricket team wins the World Cup

It was India’s second title at the mega event as earlier they had won the ODI World Cup, outplaying Pakistan at Cape Town, South Africa in December 2014. Talking about the same, Tendulkar wrote, “However, I believe that it is the time that a long-standing request to be recognized by the BCCI be considered. This gesture will truly be an acknowledgment of their passion for the sport of cricket. You may also consider bringing these champions under the BCCI pension scheme towards their long-term financial security.”

Rai had said after the triumph that the World Cup-winning players will be rewarded for their performance by the BCCI. Tendulkar said recognition for CABI could have a ripple effect. He wrote, “The recognition by BCCI will go a long way in ushering a new era in Indian sports for the physically challenged where every athlete feels secure and celebrated, not struggling and eventually forgotten. Needless to add, it will also serve as a motivation for many others to take up sports passionately. I keenly look forward to your prompt action.”