In exclusive remarks to PakPassion.net, the captain of the England Disabled Team, James Williams, commented on the development of the game for disabled cricketers and how it can be further improved.

by Saqib Ali Hameed (29th March 2014)

For most followers of the game, cricket as they know it is a game associated with able bodied individuals plying their trade across continents in glamorous tournaments where national pride takes centre stage.

However, there is a quiet revolution underway, led by a group of young men from many countries who, as a result of their enthusiasm and passion for the game, are taking the sport to new heights. The disabled cricketers from countries such as Pakistan and England are prime examples of individuals who have overcome their own physical handicaps and decided to compete against each other with enthusiasm that should be an inspiration for their able bodied colleagues .

Whilst the world of cricket is busy with news of the ongoing ICC World T20 tournament, an intrepid brand of courageous sportsman are involved in a series which promises to be as intriguing as any found in the present day game.

Cricket for the Physically Disabled was initiated by Pakistan in 2007, with other countries joining suit and it has since grown on the international stage with Pakistan featuring in a number of away tours to Malaysia, Australia and twice to the UAE. The recently concluded series between Pakistan and England in the UAE comprised of 3 T20Is and 3 ODI games. Pakistan took both the T20I and ODI series with a 2-1 margin. 

Whilst the outcome of the series may not have been in favour of the visitors, no one can doubt the effort and spirit of sportsmanship displayed by both sides and in exclusive remarks to PakPassion.net the captain of the England Disabled Team, James Williams, praised the ECB for organising such tours, expressed his views on the quality of facilities in Dubai and also commented on the development of the game for disabled cricketers and how it can be further improved.

With Dubai’s international reputation enhanced by regular series between Pakistan and other international opponents as well as news of the impending first leg of the IPL tournament, it is therefore no surprise the England captain was very impressed by what he saw at the ICC Global Academy. He also directed his praise at the ECB which he felt was making great headway in popularising this version of the game by arranging away tours. 

Whilst England last played Pakistan in 2012, the England Captain hoped that more countries such as India, Australia and New Zealand would also send their teams to participate in tournaments. James also indicated that the ECB were in talks with the BCCI for a possible future tour which in his view would be of great benefit to all sides.

Speaking about the development of the game in his native England, Williams stated, “The team meets once a month to practice and usually play 10-12 games every summer, and there is a lot of Disabled Cricket being played at the Domestic level too." Whilst the three T20 games were streamed live on YouTube, Williams felt that more exposure was needed, adding “More games should be broadcast and covered by the media. It was a good move to show our matches on YouTube so our friends and family could watch us play”. Williams comments on broadcast coverage were also echoed by the ECB Head of Disability Cricket Ian Martin who stated “The standard of cricket has been high and the live streaming of the series has taken the game to a much wider global audience” The Honorary Secretary of the Pakistan Disabled Cricket Association, Amir Uddin Ansari, also added “The quality of the cricket has been high and anyone watching will have marveled at the way disabled players have played such great cricket. I am very grateful to the broadcaster. It will definitely boost disability cricket in the future”

In conclusion, Pakistan were worthy victors in both formats of the games. However, there is no doubt about the level of competition displayed by both sets of players which was as intense as experienced in any other form of the game. The England captain may have been disappointed with the overall result of the series but he is, rightfully, proud of his team singling out some bright talents to watch out for in the future, “We have a strong batting line up with Alex Hammond and Callum Flynn, and Jordan is a very good bowler too” he concluded.

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