ICRC disability cricket championship to begin Nov. 2

By A Qayyum

LAHORE — The ICRC National Physical Disability Cricket Championship will begin on November 2, featuring 16 regional teams from across Pakistan. The final will be played on December 3 at the Moin Khan Cricket Academy Ground in Karachi.

The announcement was made by Pakistan Physical Disability Cricket Association (PPDCA) President Imran Bilwani and Secretary General Ameeruddin Ansari during a press conference at the association’s office.

Former Pakistan Test cricketer Tauseef Ahmed, senior sports journalist Abdul Majid Bhatti, senior anchorperson Ali Salman and Muhammad Nizam were also present.

The championship will be played in four phases at different venues across the country.

The opening phase will begin on November 2 at Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar, featuring Peshawar, Lahore, Abbottabad and KPK Stars.

The second phase will commence in Rawalpindi on November 8, with Islamabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Rawalpindi taking part.

The third phase will begin in Bahawalpur on November 11, featuring Multan, Hyderabad, Sargodha and Bahawalpur.

The fourth phase will start in Karachi on November 23, with Karachi, Quetta, Quetta Bolan and Larkana competing.

The first semifinal will be held in Islamabad on November 30, while the second semifinal is scheduled for December 1 in Karachi. The final will take place on December 3 at the Moin Khan Cricket Academy Ground in Karachi.

Multan will enter the championship as defending champions after defeating Rawalpindi by three wickets in the previous edition’s final.

Speaking at the press conference, Bilwani and Ansari said the association had received strong support from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

They thanked PCB Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed Syed and noted that the association’s grant had been doubled.

The officials said the association was working to establish an annual cricket calendar to ensure regular competitions for cricketers with physical disabilities across the country. Efforts were also underway to introduce central contracts, improve playing facilities and provide greater financial support to players.

Acknowledging the financial challenges faced by disability cricketers, they said discussions were continuing with potential long-term sponsors to strengthen the sport and improve players’ welfare.

They also appreciated the continued support of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and expressed optimism about further positive developments in the coming months.

Tauseef Ahmed, who has been associated with disability cricket for several years, praised the players’ skills and standard of performance.

He said their abilities were comparable to those of other cricketers and expressed confidence that the championship would produce closely contested and entertaining matches.

Senior sports journalist Abdul Majid Bhatti said disability cricket was improving steadily and appreciated the efforts being made to promote the sport.

Ali Salman, representing GTV, said the channel would endeavour to provide comprehensive coverage of matches in Karachi and other participating cities.

He added that the coverage would help showcase the talent and abilities of cricketers with physical disabilities to a wider audience.