A few days ago, the Ministry of Sports issued a letter to DCCI directing that the words “India” and “Indian” must not be used, stating that DCCI is not a recognized National Sports Federation.
I write this not in anger, but in pain.
In December 2021, at the BCCI AGM in Kolkata, “Differently Abled Cricket supported by BCCI” was clearly recorded in the official minutes. At that time, no such objection was raised. From 2021–22 to 2024–25, DCCI and its sister bodies Blind Cricket, Deaf Cricket, Wheelchair Cricket, PD Cricket, and Mixed Disability Cricket continued conducting national and international events.
When DCCI won the Champions Trophy, the Hon’ble Sports Minister himself invited the officials and players to the Ministry and congratulated them.
If the use of “India” is incorrect today, was it correct yesterday?
If recognition is questioned today, why was it celebrated before?
These are not accusations. These are questions from the heart of a cricketer.
The reality is this: differently able cricket in India survives not because of funding, not because of structured support, but because of passion. Players fund their own travel. State bodies run tournaments through small local sponsorships. Sometimes we manage one international event a year. Sometimes one national event in two years.
There has been no structured financial backing from the Ministry. There has been no direct operational support from BCCI in formats like wheelchair cricket, despite references to being “supported.”
The Hon’ble Supreme Court has clearly observed that disability cricket should function within BCCI under a dedicated committee. For years, we have been requesting the same.
If tomorrow only BCCI holds National Sports Federation recognition, then who represents disabled cricketers?
Where do blind cricketers go?
Where do wheelchair Cricketers go?
Where do deaf and PD cricketers go?
And another painful question:
Why was the notice sent only to DCCI? Across the country, many organizations raise funds in the name of disability cricket. Have all been examined equally?
A disabled cricketer does not play for money.
He plays for dignity.
He plays to feel equal.
He plays so that one day his family can say with pride “He represented India.”
If the word “India” is taken away, what do we tell our players?
That they represent no nation?
I humbly request Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji you have transformed the lives of para-athletes in this country. Today, disability cricketers stand at a similar crossroads. We seek structure, accountability, and rightful inclusion under BCCI not conflict, not division.
This is not about one organization.
This is about thousands of differently abled Cricketers whose only wealth is courage.
Please let this message reach those who can ensure that no disabled cricketer ever feels invisible in his own country.
Somjeet Singh
Captain Indian Wheelchair Cricket Team
#DisabilityCricket #Inclusion #EqualRights #SupportDivyangCricketers #IndianCricket
@abhishereporter@ani_digital@AnkanKar@BCCI@BoriaMajumdar@CricSubhayan@DrSanjivGoenka@ians_india@imRaviKChauhan@JayShah@JM_Scindia@BBCHindi@BBC@PTI_News@kushansarkar@kashyapvipul@VibhuBhola@vikrantgupta73@sardesairajdeep@narendramodi@PMOIndia@mansukhmandviya@IndiaSports@sqnldrabhai@blind_cricket@ShyamSharmaAd@tehseenp@JaikyYadav16@toi_gauravG@RubikaLiyaquat@AnjumLiyaquat@saintkishore@Nitin_sachin@harbhajan_singh@ABPNews@Indian_Analyzer@ARanganathan72@ianuragthakur@ManojTiwariMP@myogiadityanath@GautamGambhir@wcia_official@dcciofficial
Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month with Howard County Recreation and Parks and the Autism Society of Maryland on April 13th at the Autism In the Park event! Visit with first responders, providers, and county resources. Enjoy interactive play and more! Free for all ages.
TODAY IS NATIONAL AT AWARENESS DAY!
National AT Awareness Day honors people with disabilities who require AT to access their education, workplace, community, and recreational activities.
Learn more about AT Awareness Day!
https://t.co/kn1FT5mzmq
Secretary Carol Beatty and our Employment Policy Director, Jade Gingerich visited Anageda Delights.
They've been recognized for their commitment to providing equal opportunities for employees with disabilities, as evidenced by inclusive hiring and staff development practices.
@TelanganaCMO We wrote multiple messages to @TelanganaCMO to support us to make accessible Telangana but we never got a response . Are we not concerned about people who are on wheelchair ?
MaharashtraDay & GarviGujaratDay reflections with you all. Two states, one spirit guiding my journey of inclusion & advocacy. Inspired by resilience & building a more accessible world. Thank you for being a part of it! 🙏 #accessibilit#inclusion#Disability#KhushiSpeaks
I discovered my disability Spina Bifida only at 24. No school, no degree, no job—only surgeries, sympathy & struggle. This is reality in India, a struggle no child should face. Why is Spina Bifida missing from RPwD Act 2016? @SocialJusticeIn@narendramodi@DisabilityIndia
Nobody talks about urine leakage, catheters or CIC. But silence costs lives
I’m a wheelchair user with Spina Bifida, Scoliosis & Kyphosis.
India locks “accessible” toilets no space for CIC, diapers or urine bags
Accessibility dignity. For all
#Accessibility#Inclusion#pwds
I’m Khushi Ganatra. I fight not only for the 47,000+ babies born with #SpinaBifida every year in India, but also for everyone already living with it. Yet we have no data, no recognition, no identity in #RPwDAct2016
✍️ Please sign: https://t.co/v4iVuNhJ8W
Spina Bifida needs recognition—not for benefits, but for identity, awareness & equal care.
Equal disabilities deserve equal recognition. ✊💚
#SpinaBifida#Inclusion#DisabilityRights
@TravelTelangana It’s disappointing that major attractions like Lumbini Park & NTR Gardens in #Hyderabad still lack wheelchair-accessible toilets & proper accessibility standards.causing huge problems to persons with disabilities. Please take some action soon #AccessibleTourism
💡 Did you know?
Only 40% of public spaces in India are truly accessible for persons with disabilities.
Accessibility isn’t a privilege, it’s a basic right.
Together, we can make India Barrier Free. 🇮🇳✨
🔹 Share this post to spread awareness
#BarrierFreeIndia#InclusionMatter
Hey @Lenskart_com you help India see clearer, but wheelchair users still can’t enter your stores! Your frames are good but not the stairs in front of all the stores.
@MSJEGOI @TCyberabad @TelanganaCMO – accessibility isn’t optional, it’s a right. ♿ #BarrierFreeIndia
Love booking hotels on @makemytrip … until I realize I need a crystal ball 🔮 to check if it’s wheelchair accessible!
How about a simple filter instead? #BarrierFreeIndia , Dont you want wheelchair users to use your platform, when others like @Cleartrip and @agoda have it.
Love booking hotels on @makemytrip … until I realize I need a crystal ball 🔮 to check if it’s wheelchair accessible!
How about a simple filter instead? #BarrierFreeIndia , Dont you want wheelchair users to use your platform, when others like @Cleartrip and @agoda have it.