New Delhi, 27 October (H.S.): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has urged its member cricket associations to take appropriate measures to promote the welfare and development of cricketers with disabilities across the country and provide them with better opportunities. Welcoming the initiative, the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) described it as a significant step towards making the sport more inclusive.

On October 26, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia wrote to all affiliated associations, urging them to take meaningful steps to increase the participation of cricketers with disabilities and provide them with the encouragement, support and opportunities needed to advance in the sport.

The initiative follows discussions held at the BCCI’s 95th Annual General Meeting in Mumbai on September 18, where the need to support and develop cricket for players with disabilities was considered.

DCCI secretary Ravikant Chauhan and joint secretary Abhay Pratap Singh expressed their gratitude to the BCCI for the initiative. They said it would create more opportunities for cricketers with disabilities to showcase their talent, gain recognition and progress in the sport.

Chauhan said, “We express our sincere gratitude to the BCCI for its support and encouragement in promoting differently abled cricket in India. This initiative is an important step towards making cricket more inclusive and providing our players with greater recognition and opportunities to showcase their talent.”

He added that such support would help nurture emerging talent, promote equal opportunities in sport and enable players to represent the country with pride. He also expressed hope that continued cooperation with the BCCI would pave the way for a brighter future for differently abled cricket in India.

DCCI joint secretary Abhay Pratap Singh also thanked the BCCI and its leadership, describing the initiative as important for the welfare and development of cricketers with disabilities. He said it would help talented players gain access to the encouragement, assistance and opportunities they need to advance in the game.

Singh added that the BCCI’s letter to its member associations reflected a positive commitment to strengthening differently abled cricket across the country. He expressed hope that the initiative would encourage state cricket associations to take concrete measures to support players and help them realise their full potential.

### Focus on Expanding Grassroots Opportunities

The BCCI’s appeal is expected to encourage greater participation among cricketers with disabilities and help create a more supportive sporting environment nationwide. Expanding opportunities at the grassroots and institutional levels could enable players to develop their skills and progress in the sport.

The DCCI expressed hope that state cricket associations would translate the initiative into practical measures, with sustained efforts to support player development, improve access to sporting facilities, provide encouragement and expand participation in competitions.

The initiative is being viewed as a positive step towards building a stronger support system for differently abled cricket in India and making the sport more accessible and inclusive for all.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar