In a historic first, India's mixed disability cricket team is set to embark on a tour of England to participate in a seven-match IT20 series, scheduled from June 21 to July 3, 2025. This marks the debut of India's pan-disability cricket team on the international stage, with the team bringing together players with physical disabilities, hearing impairments (deaf and mute), and intellectual/learning disabilities (ID/LD).
The Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) and Svayam, a leading accessibility organization, collaborated to organize a send-off ceremony for the team. Former India cricketer Madan Lal and Sminu Jindal, founder-chairperson of Svayam, were present at the ceremony to support the team.
Ravindra Gopinath Sante will captain the Indian team, with Virender Singh serving as his deputy. The squad comprises players from various disability categories, showcasing a commitment to inclusivity. The team includes Radhika Prasad, Rajesh Irappa Kannur, Yogendra Singh (wicket-keeper), Narendra Mangore, Vikrant Ravindra Keni, Sai Akash, Umar Ashraf, Sanju Sharma, Abhishek Singh, Vivek Kumar, Vikas Ganeshkumar, Praveen Nailwal, Rishabh Jain, and Tarun.
The team has been undergoing a preparatory training camp at the Jaipuria Cricket Academy (JCA) in Jaipur from June 8 to 13. The camp focuses on physical fitness, match preparedness, and team synergy. Head coach Rohit Jhalani, a former Rajasthan Ranji Trophy captain, expressed his confidence in the team's readiness for the series.
The historic tour will include a match at Lord's Cricket Ground on June 25, a significant moment for disability cricket in India. Additionally, the 6th T20I on July 1 in Bristol will be a double-header with the England Women vs India Women international match, broadcast live on Sky Sports, promoting visibility and respect for athletes with disabilities.
England has also named its first-ever Mixed Disability squad for the series, captained by Callum Flynn. The England squad includes players from Physical Disability (PD), Learning Disability (LD), and Hearing Impaired (Deaf) disciplines. The ECB has emphasized the importance of this series as a turning point for disability cricket. Ian Martin, ECB Head of Disability Cricket, highlighted the excitement of bringing together players from different disability backgrounds into one squad.
The series has received support from both the ECB and the ICC. Each team's playing eleven must include at least three players from each disability category, ensuring representation across all formats of disability cricket.
The schedule for the Mixed Disability Vitality IT20 Series is as follows:
All seven games will be live-streamed on ECB channels, offering a platform for disability cricket to reach a wider audience.
This tour represents a significant step forward for inclusive sports in India, promoting equality, dignity, and opportunity for athletes with disabilities. It is a moment of pride and a chance to redefine possibilities, as the Indian team aims to make a mark on the international stage.
