India and England Unite to Elevate Mixed Disability Cricket, Eye 2028 World Cup Debut

Cricket giants India and England are championing a new initiative to popularize mixed disability cricket. This week, they are launching a five-match T20 series with the aim of making this format internationally recognized.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and India’s Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are backing this series in hopes of paving the way for the first Mixed Disability Cricket World Cup, slated for India in 2028.

The format, which brings together cricketers with physical, hearing, and intellectual disabilities, was formally introduced just last year when England played host to India in a pioneering seven-match series.

Ian Martin, the ECB’s head of disability cricket, expressed hopes for more countries to join the initiative. “With the format making sense to cricket boards, we anticipate more bilateral series leading to World Cups and, hopefully, inclusion in the Paralympic Games,” Martin said at a press event in New Delhi. “This format promises to engage more disabled individuals in cricket.”

Jason Weaver, England’s coach, shared his enthusiasm for his “special” team, noting, “The standard has significantly improved. It’s truly impressive cricket.”

The series is being organized by the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) with the support of the BCCI and sponsorship from Jindal SAW Limited. Matches will be held at two venues, starting with the first three T20s near New Delhi, followed by two final games in Jaipur.

The opening match is scheduled for Thursday.

India’s para-cricket movement is gaining traction, as evidenced by the women’s blind team’s victory at the inaugural T20 World Cup in December of the previous year.

Published on January 27, 2026.