Historical T20 Series for Mixed Disability Cricket Begins Between India and England

The cricketing world will witness history as the inaugural mixed disability T20 series between India and England commences this Saturday at Taunton, home to Somerset County Cricket Club. This pioneering seven-match series includes a prestigious game at the renowned Lord's Cricket Ground on June 25, as confirmed by a release from the Differently-abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI).

India's team, captained by Mumbai's Ravindra Gopinath Sante, reached London for the tour on June 15. Selected by the DCCI, the 16-member squad optimised their preparedness by engaging in three preparatory matches against the England Lions Mixed Disability team at the Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club. The team comprises players with various disabilities, coached by former Rajasthan captain Rohit Jhalani.

Supported by the BCCI and the International Cricket Council, the series has received significant backing. Ahead of the initial match at Taunton, both teams will hold a two-minute silence in memory of the Air India crash victims. The series' pinnacle will be the June 25 game at Lord's, aligning with both the historical 1983 World Cup victory and 'World Mixed Disability Day.'

(With inputs from agencies.)