KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah announced a substantial financial commitment of Rs100 million to support the upcoming Asia Cup Wheelchair Cricket Tournament, emphasizing the government’s dedication to promoting sports for persons with disabilities.
A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office detailed that, besides the Rs100 million allocation, Murad also approved an annual grant of Rs15 million for the Pakistan Wheelchair Cricket Council (PWCC). Additionally, the government will provide a specially adapted minibus to assist the national wheelchair cricket team in their travel and logistics.
The PWCC, which oversees wheelchair cricket activities across Pakistan and is a founding member of the International Council of Wheelchair Cricket (ICWC), works tirelessly to promote inclusive sporting opportunities. The Pakistan Cricket Board has previously recognized the achievements of the Pakistan wheelchair cricket team, which has repeatedly secured the Asian championship, as highlighted on the organization’s official platform.
The announcement was made during a meeting held at the CM House with the two-time Asian champion Pakistan Wheelchair Cricket Team. The meeting was attended by key officials including Education Minister Sardar Shah, Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Sports Minister Muhammad Bux Mahar, Principal Secretary Agha Wasif, and Secretary Tauha Farooqi of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD).Representatives from the delegation included Rukhsana Rajput, President of PWCC, and team captain Mohammad Zeeshan, who briefed the CM on upcoming international wheelchair cricket fixtures.
It was conveyed that a series between Pakistan and Afghanistan wheelchair cricket teams is scheduled for September 2025 in Karachi. Moreover, Pakistan will host the Wheelchair Cricket Asia Cup in October 2025, with matches planned in Karachi and Hyderabad.Participating nations are expected to include Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, and possibly India. The CM directed the Sports Minister to expedite renovation work at Niaz Stadium in Hyderabad to ready it for hosting Asia Cup matches.
Expressing his support, the CM stated, “We are dedicated to organizing the Asia Cup with dignity and grandeur. Our wheelchair cricket team has brought pride to the nation, and they deserve our full backing.”
The meeting highlighted the Sindh government’s increasing focus on inclusive sports initiatives, especially for athletes with disabilities. Pakistan’s wheelchair cricket team, which has secured consecutive Asia Cup titles, continues to serve as an inspiring symbol of resilience and sporting excellence.
In December, the CM reiterated his commitment to inclusivity, calling on the private sector and civil society to join efforts in creating an environment conducive to persons with disabilities. Last June, he also inaugurated a vocational training centre for disabled individuals and instructed the DEPD secretary to ensure its effective operation, promising additional facilities and resources as needed
