Mumbai: In a significant step towards making cricket more inclusive, 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 with The Times of India, Saikia referred to the decision taken at the BCCI’s 95th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in Mumbai on September 18, 2026, and called on the state units to take steps towards the welfare and development of differently-abled players.“As deliberated and agreed during the 95th Annual General Meeting of the BCCI, held in Mumbai on September 18, 2026, all the member associations are requested to take appropriate measures towards the welfare, development and the betterment of differently-abled cricketers within their respective jurisdictions,” Saikia wrote.He further urged the associations to create opportunities for differently-abled players to participate in the sport and improve their skills.“Member associations are requested to take meaningful initiatives to promote the participation of differently-abled cricketers and to provide them with due encouragement, assistance and opportunities to grow in the game,” the BCCI secretary stated.Concluding his letter, Saikia highlighted the importance of cooperation among the state units in advancing the cause of inclusive cricket.“Your cooperation and support in this endeavor will go a long way in strengthening the spirit of inclusivity and furthering the development of cricket for differently-abled cricketers across the country,” he wrote.At the conclusion of its AGM, the BCCI had also highlighted the decision in its communication to the media, stating: “The General Body discussed with the State Units, measures to support differently-abled cricketers, including appropriate facilities and resources to promote their development and progress.”Ravi Chauhan, general secretary of the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI), welcomed the move, describing it as an important milestone for the sport.“I welcome this decision by the BCCI. Differently-abled cricket is being played in India for the last 40 years. For the last five years or so, the BCCI has supported the DCCI, thanks to Jay bhai (ICC chairman & ex-BCCI secretary Jay Shah). The BCCI’s move (to support differently-abled cricketers) in the BCCI’s 95th AGM was a milestone decision. I thank the secretary of BCCI for writing to all the 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 differently-abled cricket that it has provided to women’s cricket in recent years.“The differently-abled cricketers of India are very happy with the BCCI’s decision, and will get hugely encouraged from it. I hope that the BCCI promotes different-abled cricket the way it has promoted women’s cricket in the last few years. I hope that one day, the differently-abled cricketers will have a league of their own, and they will get an official recognition. I hope that the state associations start working towards the betterment of different-abled cricket, so that it becomes part of the mainstream sport,” he added.Abhay Pratap Singh also welcomed the BCCI’s initiative, expressing gratitude to the board and its leadership for recognising the importance of inclusive cricket and encouraging the development of differently-abled players.“We express our sincere gratitude to the BCCI and its leadership 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. The BCCI’s communication to its member associations reflects a positive commitment to strengthening differently-abled cricket in India. We hope this initiative will inspire associations across the country to take concrete measures to support these cricketers and help them reach their full potential,” Singh said.
