Rohan Chowdhury in England
India’s differently abled cricket team recently concluded a seven-match T20I series in England, facing a tough challenge against the hosts. The series ended 6-1 in England’s favour, with India securing a memorable win at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. While the scoreboard might not reflect it, the tour marked a significant moment for the growth and future of differently abled cricket in India.
In the wake of the tour, the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI), in partnership with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has launched a coaching certification programme designed to empower players beyond their playing careers. DCCI General Secretary Ravi Chauhan shared his thoughts on the initiative, emphasising the need to provide long-term opportunities for players who have dedicated years to the sport.
“The differently abled cricket community is also getting recognition. Players have played in iconic venues like Lord’s and Narendra Modi Stadium. But once their playing days are over, they too deserve something back from the game. We’ve requested the BCCI to allow our players to undergo coaching courses so they can support their families. A player who has devoted years to cricket deserves something in return,” said Chauhan.
The coaching programme, to be conducted through the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, will begin with a Level O course. Players who pass will be eligible to progress to Level 1, just like their able-bodied counterparts. Chauhan expressed pride in the fact that differently abled players will now be able to write “BCCI certified Level 1 coach” next to their names.
“That’s a big moment. It’s a joyful thought that our players are finally being recognised like national-level players,” he said.
He also shared the vision to expand beyond coaching and include scoring courses in the future, allowing players to become scorers in official board matches. “Today it’s a coaching course, tomorrow it will be a scoring course. We want to create opportunities. We want to make our players job-ready so they can earn a livelihood through the game. Cricket has become a massive industry. Players across the world move into coaching, commentary, and support roles. We want the same for our players,” Chauhan added.
He thanked the BCCI, VVS Laxman, and Jay Shah for their support and guidance, noting that the DCCI is working steadily to fulfil the vision laid out for these athletes. “We are walking the path they have shown. Slowly, we’re building a system where our players can thrive, on and off the field,” he said.
The tour ended with a dramatic and tense experience on the team’s journey back to India. The players were stranded for six hours inside a British Airways flight on July 5 after the pilot sensed a technical malfunction just before take-off. Since the aircraft had already reached the runway, passengers were required to stay onboard until it was safe to fly.
“It was a bold decision by the captain and a brave one. Though we had to stay inside the flight for that long, we safely reached the country. It was a scary moment, but it was all good in the end,” Chauhan recounted.
Back home, the team has already shifted focus to building on the momentum generated by the tour. With the launch of the coaching programme, the next steps have already begun to ensure that the game continues to grow and support the lives of its players well beyond the field. The names for the programme are being shortlisted and the programme will start once these things are finalised.
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