Historic Disability Cricket Tour Set to Kick Off in Chennai

A historic cricket tour is set to take place in Chennai, where Sri Lanka's Physically Disabled and Wheelchair teams will compete against India. This unprecedented event aims to promote collaboration among various disability cricket formats, enhancing visibility and opportunities for players. The tour, running from October 31 to November 2, marks a significant milestone in the realm of disability sports, showcasing the potential for joint events to optimize resources and increase participation. With a rich history of competitive matches between the two nations, this tour promises to be a landmark occasion in the world of disability cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 28, 2026, 16:11 IST

Groundbreaking Disability Cricket Tour in Chennai

In a significant first, two teams representing Sri Lanka's disability cricket will tour India simultaneously. The Sri Lankan Physically Disabled (PD) team and the Wheelchair team are scheduled to compete against India in the Sewa Niketan Foundation Beyond Ability India vs Sri Lanka IT20 Series, taking place in Chennai from October 31 to November 2 at the CSK Ground, OMR.

The Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) views this joint tour as a pivotal moment for the future of disability cricket. They aim to foster collaboration among various disability formats, organizing events together to optimize resources such as venues, logistics, officials, sponsorships, and funding, thereby increasing participation opportunities for players.

Background of Disability Cricket Relations

This tour builds on previous interactions, including the Sri Lankan PD team's last visit to India in 2025, where DCCI and Wilspoke Sports and Entertainment organized India's inaugural bilateral PD (Standing) T20 series at Kini Cricket Ground in Bengaluru. India emerged victorious, winning the PD Deepak Lohia Memorial Trophy 5-0. Additionally, in June 2024, the Sri Lankan Wheelchair team participated in the Wheelchair Cricket T20I Trophy at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida, where India again triumphed with a 5-0 series win.

The Indian disability cricket scene has been thriving, with the Indian PD team clinching the PD Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka in January 2025, defeating England by 79 runs in the final. They were later honored by Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya. In 2026, India's Mixed Disability team faced England in a home series in January-February and a seven-match IT20 series in England in August, concluding with a 118-run victory at Lord's on August 19.

Logistics and Future Aspirations

During the Chennai tour, the India and Sri Lanka PD teams will engage in a three-match T20 series, alongside wheelchair cricket matches. Specific match timings will be announced later.

Ravi Chauhan, Secretary of DCCI, emphasized the significance of this joint tour, stating, "The arrival of two Sri Lankan disability teams in India for the same tour is unprecedented and demonstrates the potential of collaborative planning. Our objective is to unify blind, deaf, physically disabled, and wheelchair cricket, eliminating isolated operations. By sharing venues, staff, sponsors, and resources, we can maximize every investment and provide more playing opportunities. Chennai marks the beginning of this initiative, and we encourage all disability cricket organizations to join us."

Sqn Ldr Abhai Pratap Singh, President of the Wheelchair Cricket India Association, remarked, "Wheelchair cricketers have consistently proven their ability to compete at elite levels. This series, shared with the PD format, enhances visibility, improves arrangements, and attracts a larger audience than standalone events. Our association fully endorses DCCI's vision for collaborative events, as working together is the most effective way to create sustainable opportunities for differently-abled cricketers across India."