KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has approved a grant of Rs100 million for the upcoming Asia Cup Wheelchair Cricket Tournament. This move is seen as a major step towards promoting inclusive sports in Pakistan. He also announced an annual grant of Rs15 million for the Pakistan Wheelchair Cricket Council (PWCC) and promised a dedicated minibus for the national team.
The announcement came during a meeting with Pakistan’s two-time Asian Champion Wheelchair Cricket Team at CM House. CM Murad praised the team for their achievements and assured full government support for future tournaments. The meeting was also attended by key provincial ministers and disability rights officials.
According to PWCC, Pakistan will host the Asia Cup Wheelchair Cricket Tournament 2025 in October, with matches to be held in Karachi and Hyderabad. Before that, a series between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s wheelchair teams will be played in September. Teams from Nepal, Sri Lanka, UAE, Bangladesh, and possibly India will also take part.
CM Murad directed the Sports Minister to begin immediate preparations and renovate Hyderabad’s Niaz Stadium for the Asia Cup matches. He said the event must reflect Pakistan’s pride in its wheelchair cricket team. “We want to host it in a grand and dignified way,” he added.
This move highlights the Sindh government’s commitment to empowering athletes with disabilities. CM Murad has been actively promoting inclusion, and in the past, has launched vocational training centres for persons with disabilities. The wheelchair cricket team continues to be a shining example of resilience, talent, and national pride.