Published By: Amrit Santlani
Last Updated: September 20, 2023, 18:13 IST
Rajasthan Royals extend association with DDCI. (Credits: DDCI)
Rajasthan Royals, DDCI set to organise the biggest cricket tournament for physically disabled cricketers from 28th September to 8th October 2023
Royals Sports Group-owned franchise Rajasthan Royals have today announced the extension of their landmark association with the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) by revealing that the two organisations will be joining hands again to organise the 3rd National Physical Disability T20 Cricket Championship from 28th September to 8th October 2023 in Udaipur, Rajasthan in association with non-profit charitable organisation Narayan Seva Sansthan.
The IPL franchise and the apex body for differently abled cricket had initially joined hands for the immensely successful 3rd National Wheelchair Cricket Championship last year which was held from 27th November to 3rd December 2022 in the same city.
Termed as the ‘3rd National Physical Disability T20 Cricket Championship 2023 powered by Rajasthan Royals’, the competition is set to create history by being recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records as the Biggest Cricket Tournament of Physically Disabled Cricketers with participation from over 400 talented Divyang Cricketers who will be representing 24 State Physically Disabled Cricket Teams from across India.
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The competition is aimed at empowering the Divyang Cricketers who will have the opportunity to compete with the best players from around the country and showcase their talent, which will further open professional opportunities for them while providing monetary support.
The tournament will showcase exceptional cricketing talent, fierce competition, and the determination of Divyang Cricketers, who have overcome numerous challenges to pursue their passion for the game. It will also serve as a platform for raising awareness about the importance of inclusivity in sports and society as a whole.
The 24 State teams will be divided into four groups of six teams each, with the table-toppers from each group progressing to the semi-finals, and consequent winners facing off in the final. Teams will also have the chance to bag cash prizes, with the eventual winning team receiving the coveted rolling trophy for their success.
A total of 63 matches across 11 days will be held across four venues in the picturesque city of Udaipur – Field Club Cricket Ground, MBA Cricket Ground, BN University Cricket Ground and NSS Cricket Ground – where entry will be free for all spectators.
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With the Royals extending their support to the Differently Abled community yet again, Jake Lush McCrum, Chief Executive Officer, Rajasthan Royals, reiterated the franchise’s commitment towards using cricket as a platform for social change and community development. He said, “The Royals have always been supportive of efforts to make cricket more inclusive, as reflected in our ongoing Rajasthan Royals Cricket Cup for Inter-School Girls in Rajasthan. Our continued support to the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India is another step in the same direction. It was overwhelming to see the impact our contribution to the Wheelchair Cricket Championship held last year made on the participating players, and we want to continue having a positive influence on the lives of the Differently Abled community through such competitions.”
Ravikant Chauhan, Member – BCCI Differently Abled Cricket Committee, and General Secretary – Differently Abled Cricket Council of India, said, “We are happy to announce that the 3rd National Physical Disability T20 Cricket Championship, which will take place from September 28-October 8, will be powered by the renowned IPL franchise, Rajasthan Royals. We are thankful to them for the continued support and assistance that they are extending to specially-abled cricket and the cricketers through our organization.”
The Rajasthan Royals and DCCI are committed to making this championship a memorable and impactful event for players and fans alike. The 3rd National Physical Disability T20 Cricket Championship 2023 powered by Rajasthan Royals, will not only bring joy to cricket enthusiasts but will also serve as a significant milestone in the journey towards a more inclusive and accepting society.
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Narayan Seva Sansthan, an organisation with a distinguished record of 38 years in the field of assistance and rehabilitation of the differently abled in the country, will be hosting all the participating cricketers, experts and officials at the Seva Mahatirth Smart Village.