India Squad Announced for Historic Mixed Disability IT20 Series in England 

Khel Today Bureau

New Delhi:The Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) is proud to announce the Indian Men’s Mixed Disability Squad for the landmark 7-match T20 International Series against England, set to take place at premier venues across England in June and July 2025.

This series marks a historic debut for India’s pan-disability cricket team on the international stage. Bringing together players from physical, hearing, and intellectual disability backgrounds, this team reflects India’s inclusive sporting spirit. Conducted in partnership with the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the tour is a defining step towards global visibility and accessibility in sports.

DCCI remains steadfast in its commitment to equality, dignity, and opportunity. This is more than a cricket series—it is a celebration of empowerment, representation, and national pride.

Double Header Matches – Mainstreaming Inclusion

In a progressive move, select matches will be played as Double Headers alongside key fixtures in England’s mainstream cricket calendar.

The 6th IT20 on Tuesday, 1 July in Bristol will share the stage with the England Women vs India Women international—broadcast live on Sky Sports. This moment affirms a powerful message of visibility, parity, and respect for athletes with disabilities.

Leadership & Vision

Mr. Ravindra Gopinath Sante has been appointed Captain of the Indian squad a seasoned cricketer known for his discipline and leadership.

Voices from DCCI:

Mr. Ravikant Chauhan, General Secretary, DCCI said, “This series is about redefining possibilities. Playing at Lord’s – the Home of Cricket – is a dream for any cricketer. For our players, it’s a symbol of history and pride.”

“We hope the BCCI extends its support to our team, just as the ECB supports their pan-disability squad.”

Mr. Abhai Pratap Singh, Joint Secretary, DCCI said, “This is not just a team—it’s a movement. These athletes are role models for what inclusion, determination, and unity can achieve.”

Mr. Sumit Jain, Vice-President, DCCI said, “This squad represents the hopes of millions. Their journey is about courage, purpose, and vision. We are confident they will make India proud.”

Coaches’ Perspectives

Mr. Rohit Jhalani, Head Coach (Former Rajasthan Ranji Captain) said, “This team competes with the intensity of any elite squad. Their focus and passion are unmatched—they’re ready for the international arena.”

Mr. Santosh Kumar Rai, Coach (Deaf Team) said, “Integrating deaf athletes with other disability categories is a milestone. This team’s unity and discipline will leave a global mark.”

National Training Camp – Jaipur

A national training camp will be held in Jaipur from 7–14 June, focusing on physical fitness, strategy, and team synergy in preparation for the England tour.

India Men’s Mixed Disability Squad

Squad:

• Ravindra Gopinath Sante (Captain) (PD)

• Vikrant Ravindra Keni (PD)

• Radhika Prasad (PD)

• Rajesh Irappa Kannur (PD)

• Yogendra Singh (Wicket-Keeper)

• Narendra Mangore (PD)

• Sai Akash (Deaf)

• Umar Ashraf (Deaf)

• Virendra Singh (Vice-Captain) (Deaf)

• Sanju Sharma (Deaf)

• Abhishek Singh (Deaf)

• Vivek Kumar (Deaf)

• Vikas Ganeshkumar (ID)

• Praveen Nailwal (ID)

• Rishabh Jain (ID)

• Tarun (ID)

Reserves:

• Majid Magray (PD)

• Kuldeep Singh (Deaf)

• Krishna Gowda (Deaf)

• Jithendra Nagaraju (PD)

Disability Classifications:

• PD: Physical Disability

• Deaf: Hearing Impaired

• ID: Intellectual Disability

Mixed Disability Vitality IT20 Series – Schedule

• Saturday, 21 June – 1st IT20 – Taunton, 6:30 PM

• Monday, 23 June – 2nd IT20 – Wormsley, 5:00 PM

• Wednesday, 25 June – 3rd IT20 – Lord’s, 3:30 PM

• Friday, 27 June – 4th IT20 – Worcester, 5:00 PM

• Sunday, 29 June – 5th IT20 – Worcester, 2:30 PM

• Tuesday, 1 July – 6th IT20 – Bristol, 2:00 PM (Double Header)

• Thursday, 3 July – 7th IT20 – Bristol, 6:30 PM

An Unprecedented Moment in Global Sport

This tour marks a bold new era in international disability cricket—a moment of sporting inclusion, national pride, and human triumph. We call upon the Indian public and the global sports community to rally behind these remarkable athlete.