India secures hosting rights for 3rd Wheelchair Cricket Asia Cup
The tournament will be hosted at a neutral venue in the UAE.
The 3rd Wheelchair Cricket Asia Cup is expected to bring together wheelchair cricket teams from India, Afghanistan, the UAE, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. (Photo credit: DCCBI)
In a significant development for wheelchair cricket, the Divyang Cricket Control Board of India (DCCBI) has officially secured the hosting rights for the 3rd Wheelchair Cricket Asia Cup from the International Council of Wheelchair Cricket (ICWC).
Pakistan had initially secured the hosting rights for the tournament. However, considering India's non-participation in the proposed arrangement, the matter was reconsidered during an ICWC meeting held on October 18, 2026.
Following discussions and with the consent of the ICWC members, the hosting rights were awarded to India.
In the interest of ensuring the participation of all eligible teams and maintaining a neutral playing environment, it was further decided that the tournament would be held neither in India nor in Pakistan.
United Arab Emirates (UAE), has therefore been considered as the neutral venue for the prestigious continental championship.
The 3rd Wheelchair Cricket Asia Cup is expected to bring together wheelchair cricket teams from India, Afghanistan, the UAE, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, providing an international platform for talented wheelchair cricketers to showcase their skills, represent their nations and inspire millions through the power of sport.
Expressing happiness over the development, Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, former Union Minister and Chairperson of DCCBI, along with Mr. Haroon Rasheed, General Secretary; Mr. Mukesh Kanchan, President; Mr. Neeraj Sharma, Senior Vice Chairman; Dr. Bhagwan Talware, Chairman Wheelchair Cricket Wing; Ms. Gazal Khan, CEO and Mr. Khalid Abbas, COO of DCCBI, welcomed the decision and described it as an encouraging step towards the growth, recognition and global expansion of wheelchair cricket.
Wheelchair Cricket is played across India with great interest. (Photo credit: DCCBI)
The leadership highlighted that hosting an international championship of this stature presents an opportunity to strengthen sporting ties among participating nations, promote inclusion through sport and create greater recognition for wheelchair cricketers who continue to demonstrate exceptional talent, determination and resilience.
Appeal to the Government, Sponsors and Sports Stakeholders
Following the receipt of the official communication, DCCBI has appealed to the Government of India, corporate brands, CSR partners, sponsors, investors and sports stakeholders to come forward and extend their support to the successful organization of the 3rd Wheelchair Cricket Asia Cup in UAE.
The Board emphasized that organizing an international tournament of this scale requires collective support, financial assistance, corporate partnerships, logistics and institutional cooperation. Such support would help provide wheelchair cricketers with the professional facilities, international exposure and recognition they deserve.
The leadership further stated that wheelchair cricket is not merely a sporting competition; it is a powerful movement that promotes equality, dignity, confidence and opportunities for people with physical disabilities. The Asia Cup can serve as a platform to demonstrate that talent and determination know no physical boundaries.
DCCBI expressed confidence that, with the support of the Indian government, the corporate sector and the wider sporting community, the tournament can become a landmark event for wheelchair cricket across Asia.
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