Historic Send-Off for India's Mixed Disability Cricket Team Ahead of Lord's Debut
A Momentous Occasion for Disability Cricket
New Delhi, June 14: The Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI), in partnership with Svayam, hosted a heartfelt send-off ceremony for the Indian Men's Mixed Disability Cricket Team, which is set to embark on its inaugural international series from June 21 to July 3. The event featured former Indian cricketer Madan Lal, a member of the legendary 1983 World Cup-winning squad.
In a groundbreaking achievement for inclusive sports, the Indian Mixed Disability Cricket Team will make its debut at the prestigious Lord's Cricket Ground in England, often referred to as the 'Home of Cricket.'
The ceremony, held in New Delhi, was attended by Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam, and Madan Lal, alongside other esteemed guests. This event marks a significant milestone as it is the first time a mixed disability team will compete at such a renowned venue, highlighting a pivotal moment for disability cricket on a global scale.
The Indian squad, comprising 18 players with physical and intellectual challenges, is led by Captain Ravindra Gopinath Sante. They will participate in a seven-match series, with a highlight being a match at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground, followed by another game on July 1 in Bristol, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports during the England Women vs India Women match.
Sminu Jindal expressed her pride in the players, stating, 'As our disability cricket team embarks on this historic journey to England, they carry not only the Indian flag but also the aspirations for a more inclusive sporting future. Their presence on the field will inspire a generation, proving that with accessibility and determination, no dream is unattainable. We at Svayam are honored to support them on this remarkable journey, and India stands united with them.'
This initiative is a collaborative effort between DCCI and the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Prior to the tour, the team participated in a training camp in Jaipur to foster team cohesion. DCCI General Secretary Ravikant Chauhan remarked, 'This is a proud moment for both the players and India. Competing at Lord's is a dream for every cricketer, and our Men's team has worked hard to achieve this milestone. I extend my best wishes to the team and thank Svayam for their unwavering support throughout this journey.'
Ian Martin, Head of Disability Cricket at ECB, welcomed Svayam to Lord's for the Disability Cricket Day, expressing excitement for the event and the presence of Sminu Jindal.
Madan Lal addressed the team, emphasizing the importance of sponsorship in sports and the unity within the team. He encouraged the players to find motivation from within and wished them success in their upcoming matches in England.
Sminu Jindal has also been invited to speak at the upcoming ECB/MCC and Lord's Taverners Disability Cricket Conference at Lord's, which aims to unite international cricket boards and advocates for inclusion in sports. The conference will conclude with a live viewing of the third Vitality Mixed Disability IT20 match between India and England, showcasing the spirit of inclusive cricket.
The team roster includes Captain Ravindra Gopinath Sante, Vikrant Ravindra Keni, Radhika Prasad, Rajesh Irappa Kannur, Yogendra Singh (Wicket-Keeper), Narendra Mangore, Sai Akash, Umar Ashraf, Virendra Singh (Vice-Captain), Sanju Sharma, Abhishek Singh, Vivek Kumar, Vikas Ganeshkumar, Praveen Nailwal, Rishabh Jain, and Tarun. Additionally, four reserves will accompany the team: Majid Magray, Kuldeep Singh, Krishna Gowda, and Jithendra Nagaraju.