England currently leads the seven T20 series 3-1; however, it was truly a proud moment for India as the men in blue registered their only victory in the last over at Lord's in the third T20.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In an exclusive conversation with IANS, skipper Ravindra Sante reflected on what it means for him and the team to be provided with such opportunities and how the team is striving to break barriers and inspire future generations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt is a moment of intense pride and honour for me as a member of the Indian Mixed Disability Cricket Team to represent our country at the iconic Lord\u2019s. This series is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of ability, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of cricket. In light of the upcoming matches, I feel very excited and motivated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a big opportunity to show our skills and prove how far we have come as a team. I am ready to give my best on the field. I am thankful to everyone - be it the organisers, my supporters, or anyone who continues to stand with disability cricket. With the IT20 series, we aim to break barriers, set new standards, and inspire the next generation,\u201d Sante told IANS.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The event is the result of years of groundwork by the Disability Cricket Council of India (DCCI), which has worked to bring together players with physical, intellectual, and hearing impairments. The team\u2019s appearance at Lord\u2019s is being seen as a major breakthrough for mixed disability cricket in India, a format that is yet to receive mainstream recognition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Alongside the DDCI, Svayam - a not-for-profit accessibility pioneer that focuses on creating a barrier-free world for all has been at the forefront of creating and carving new opportunities for all those affected by disability. \u201cThis is a mixed disability format, India\u2019s first team of such kind, and I want to thank Svayam for helping disabled cricketers come all the way to England. Not only have they sponsored us, they have physically supported and cheered for us,\u201d Sante added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Adding to the occasion, Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam, was invited by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to speak at the iconic Lord\u2019s Cricket Ground.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Representing India in front of officials from seven cricket boards, she called for stronger efforts towards inclusive sports planning, not just in terms of access, but opportunity and visibility too.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe fact that this is happening at Lord\u2019s is not incidental; it\u2019s symbolic. This ground has seen cricket\u2019s most defining moments. Today, it sees inclusion,\u201d said Sminu Jindal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With the Indian men\u2019s cricket team also touring England at the moment, both squads are representing the country in different formats and different conversations. One aims for a series win, and the other pushes for inclusion.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe fact that this is happening at Lord\u2019s is not incidental; it\u2019s symbolic. This ground has seen cricket\u2019s most defining moments. Today, it sees inclusion,\u201d said Sminu Jindal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> LIVE Cricket Score<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n