Pakistan is home to almost two million blind people

Pakistan‘s blind cricket captain Zeeshan Abbasi was once a shy and awkward child who relied on his family and friends to get by in a country where disability is a major stigma.



Growing up in the mountainous northern Ayubia district, his earliest memories are of clutching his mother’s hand as they climbed a winding path to a school where he was never fully accepted.



But having recently led his team to the final of the World Cup and triumph in a series over traditional foe India, he credits cricket with turning his life around.



“If I didn’t play cricket, I would have not enjoyed this status as a national celebrity. My blind friends are unable to do anything and have become a burden for their families,” the 30-year-old said.