From Sidelines to Spotligh: Journey of India’s Divyang Cricketers

We all know cricket is not just a sport in India. It’s a passion that unites millions. For India’s differently-abled (Divyang) cricketers, this passion has been a source of strength and empowerment against all odds. They refused to be mere spectators and instead picked up the bat and ball, determined to play the game they love.

Early Innings: Passion Beyond Limits

India’s Divyang cricketers started their journey driven purely by love for the game. In the late 2000s and early 2010s, small groups of visually impaired, hearing impaired, and physically challenged players were forming teams and playing wherever they could – in school grounds, parks, even quiet streets. This grassroots passion soon led to more organised efforts. For instance, the Cricket Association for the Blind in India was established in 2010 to promote cricket among visually impaired players. Similarly, a dedicated Deaf Cricket Society came up around 2012 (now the Indian Deaf Cricket Association). These early initiatives marked the first innings of Divyang cricket in India, proving that the love for cricket truly knows no boundaries or limitations. The message was clear: whether you’re blind, deaf, or on wheels, cricket is a game for all who have the heart to play.

Facing a Tough Pitch: Challenges Along the Way

The road to recognition wasn’t always a smooth pitch – it was often full of rough patches. Differently-abled cricketers faced huge challenges beyond just their physical disabilities. For years, there was little funding, scant training facilities, and almost no mainstream media coverage. Many had to buy their gear or modify equipment on their own. Tournaments were few, and these players often felt invisible in the scheme of things. Even after achieving big wins, support was slow to arrive. But despite challenges, financial woes, lack of institutional backing, and social stigma, India’s Divyang cricketers never gave up. They kept practising, kept playing, and kept inspiring those around them with their resilience. Each challenge only strengthened their resolve to prove themselves on the field.

A League of Their Own: Usha’s Game-Changing Support

Beas XI, a team of hearing-impaired cricketers, celebrate with the trophy at the Usha Divyang Cricket League. Usha’s name proudly adorns their jerseys, reflecting the company’s long-standing support for differently-abled cricket. In 2013, a turning point came that changed the landscape for Divyang cricketers. Usha International – through its Usha Play initiatives – partnered with the All India Cricket Association of the Deaf to launch a unique tournament exclusively for differently-abled players. This began the Divyang Indian Cricket League, popularly known as the Usha Divyang Cricket League, which provided a dedicated platform for these athletes to showcase their talent. The first edition in 2013 was a modest start, featuring only teams of hearing-impaired players. But Usha’s sustained commitment meant the league grew bigger and more inclusive each year. By the 4th edition, exhibition matches for wheelchair-bound and visually impaired cricketers were introduced, and by the 5th edition, the league featured multiple categories – including four wheelchair cricket teams and two visually impaired teams alongside the deaf team. What began as a small initiative blossomed into a 3-day national event with around 150-200 specially-abled players participating annually. Usha has been the constant supporter of this league since day one – something the organisers proudly acknowledge. “We are extremely grateful to Usha International for supporting us on this journey right from inception,” said Padam Passi, the chief organiser, noting how Usha never wavered in backing the league as it expanded over the years. Through coaching camps, gear sponsorships, and constant encouragement, Usha Play has nurtured the cause of inclusive cricket in India.

A New Dawn: Hope, Inclusivity, and an Ongoing Journey

Today, the narrative around differently-abled cricketers in India is one of hope and inclusion. What started as a small community of passionate players has grown into a nationwide movement that is impossible to ignore. Young boys and girls with disabilities can now dream of playing for India one day, and crucially, they have role models to emulate and pathways to follow. The sustained efforts over the past decade are bearing fruit: more tournaments, better training facilities, and increased public awareness. Importantly, there’s a growing sense of pride among the players. They no longer feel like outsiders; when they don the Indian jersey or their state colours, they know they’ve earned their place with talent and tenacity. Sponsors and fans are learning that supporting these athletes isn’t an act of charity; it’s an investment in sporting excellence and human spirit. The journey isn’t over, of course. But the momentum is firmly on their side. Each year, the Usha Divyang Cricket League continues to unearth new stars from every corner of the country, giving them confidence and exposure. As Komal Mehra of Usha International aptly put it, events like the Divyang Cricket League are an opportunity to empower youngsters to pursue their dreams through sport. That empowerment is visible on the smiling faces of players in every edition’s closing ceremony, holding trophies, posing for team photos, and knowing that their abilities, not disabilities, define them.

In a country crazy about cricket, these differently-abled cricketers have carved out their place in the sun. Their story – of passion overcoming adversity, of a community rallying to support its own, and of talent finally getting its due is one that can inspire all of us. From being on the sidelines, they have moved into the spotlight, one boundary and one wicket at a time. content