England v India opens pioneering Mixed Disability T20 tournament 2026

Vitality Mixed Disability IT20 series begins with England v India Leicester welcomed the India Mixed Disability T20 cricket team with a reception at the Maher Centre ahead of their opening international match against England. The first fixture of the seven-match series takes place today at Derby’s County Ground. The tournament will conclude with the final at Lord’s, the home of cricket, on 19 August 2026. India team manager Kamal Prabhakar said the series represented a significant milestone for disability cricket. “This is an amazing initiative created by England to bring disabled cricketers together for a T20 series,” he said. “There are seven matches in total, starting in Derby before moving on to Brighton. We then have two matches in Arlington, followed by the final at Lord’s on 19 August. “I have been playing cricket for more than 40 years, and to see the standard these players have reached is incredible. It is very high - almost professional level.” Mr Prabhakar urged people to attend the matches and support both teams. “If you are free, please come along and support the teams,” he said. “You can also follow Disability India Cricket and England Disability Cricket on social media. You will see just how high the standard is.” He said the series would also help challenge misconceptions about disability sport. “Some people think disability cricket is only for wheelchair users, but that is not the case,” he said. “There are players with a range of disabilities, including deaf cricketers, and they are performing to an exceptionally high standard. “My message to everyone - children, boys, girls, women, disabled and non-disabled people - is that cricket is a fantastic game. It brings people together and offers so many opportunities.” Mr Prabhakar, who previously played for a Commonwealth team against the Vatican, said he had never imagined he would one day manage a side playing at Lord’s. “I played at Lord’s a few years ago for the Commonwealth against the Vatican, but I never thought I would return as a manager,” he said. “Cricket is not only about playing. You can become an umpire, a scorer or work in the media. There are many opportunities for people who want to be involved in the game.” A new concept for disability cricket’ India head coach Rohit Jhalani said the mixed disability format was designed to bring players with different disabilities together. “This is a new concept that I started last year - a mixed disability T20 tournament,” he said. “Previously, people with different disabilities played in separate formats. Players with physical disabilities competed in one form of cricket, while deaf players and those with other disabilities played in different competitions. “Now we have a new concept in which players with physical, intellectual and invisible disabilities play together. It is a very good concept and gives every disabled player an equal opportunity to compete. “I can assure you that this will be excellent cricket. Although it is a match between India and England, people will really enjoy watching the way the players perform, their passion and how proud they are to represent India.” Mr Jhalani said he hoped the series would help disability cricket develop in the same way as women’s cricket has grown in recent years. “If we look at women’s cricket, it began developing several years ago, but nowadays, after the Women’s Premier League and the World Cup, the sport has attracted attention all over the world,” he said. “I am quite sure mixed disability cricket can develop in the same way, with the same passion and support. “We ask everyone to support this India team and these players, who are working hard to prove themselves and who are proud to represent their country.” Our dreams are coming true’India captain Majid Ahmed said representing his country in the series was a proud moment for the players. “It means a lot to all of us,” he said. “We have travelled from India to England, and being here feels like one of our dreams coming true. “We have prepared for around a month. The players have come from many different states and have overcome many difficulties to be here. We are in good condition, feeling confident and looking forward to the tournament. “We are here to win it.” #MixedDisabilitycricket