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
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