BCCI asks state units to support differently-abled cricketers

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Mumbai: In a major step towards more inclusive cricket, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has urged all 38 state cricket associations to take measures to support differently-abled cricketers and promote the development of the game in their respective jurisdictions.In a communication sent to all member associations on Monday, a copy of which is p The Tech Word NewsReferring to the decision taken at the BCCI’s 95th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Mumbai on September 18, 2026, Saikia urged the state units to take steps for the welfare and development of differently-abled players.“As discussed and agreed during the 95th BCCI Annual General Meeting held in Mumbai on 18 September 2026, all member associations are requested to take appropriate measures for the welfare, development and betterment of differently abled cricketers within their respective jurisdictions,” Saikia wrote.He further urged the associations to create opportunities for differently abled players to join the sport and improve their skills.“Member associations are requested to take meaningful initiatives to promote the participation of differently-abled cricketers and provide them with proper encouragement, assistance and opportunities to grow in the game,” the BCCI secretary said.Concluding his letter, Saikia emphasized the importance of cooperation between state units in promoting the cause of inclusive cricket.“Your cooperation and support in this endeavor will succeed in strengthening the spirit of inclusivity and promoting the development of cricket for differently abled cricketers across the country,” he wrote.At the end of its AGM, the BCCI also highlighted the decision in its communication with the media, saying, “The General Body discussed with the state units measures to support differently-abled cricketers, including appropriate facilities and resources to support their development and progress.”Ravi Chauhan, General Secretary of the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI), welcomed the move and called it an important milestone for the sport.“I welcome this decision by BCCI. Differently-abled cricket has been played in India for the last 40 years. For the last five years or so, BCCI has been supporting DCCI thanks to Jay bhai (ICC chairman and former BCCI secretary Jay Shah). BCCI’s step (to support differently-abled cricketers) was thanked by BCCI secret in the 9th milestone AGM. BCCI for writing to all state associations to support and run differently-abled cricket in their states,” Chauhan told TOI on Tuesday.He said the decision would encourage players across the country and expressed hope that the BCCI would extend the same kind of support to multi-ability cricket that it has extended to women’s cricket in recent years.“Indian differently-abled cricketers are very happy with BCCI’s decision and will be very encouraged by it. I hope that BCCI promotes differently-abled cricket the way it has promoted women’s cricket for the past few years. I hope that one day differently-abled cricketers will have their own league vis-a-vis other states and hope that better performing state organizations will get official recognition. Cricket to become a part of the mainstream sport,” he added.Abhay Pratap Singh also welcomed the BCCI’s initiative and expressed gratitude to the board and its management for recognizing the importance of inclusive cricket and encouraging the development of differently-abled players.“We express our sincere gratitude to the BCCI and its management for this encouraging initiative towards the welfare and development of differently-abled cricketers. This is a significant step towards making cricket more inclusive and ensuring that talented players get the encouragement, support and opportunities they deserve. BCCI’s message to its member associations reflects a positive commitment to strengthen this initiative of differently-abled cricket in India. to support these cricketers and to help them reach their full potential,” Singh said.