India Secures Hosting Rights for 3rd Wheelchair Cricket Asia Cup; UAE Selected as Neutral Venue
The Divyang Cricket Control Board of India (DCCBI) has secured the hosting rights for the 3rd Wheelchair Cricket Asia Cup from the International Council of Wheelchair Cricket (ICWC). The decision was taken at an ICWC meeting on October 18, 2026, after Pakistan initially held the hosting rights. To ensure participation by eligible teams and provide a neutral playing environment, the tournament will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), rather than India or Pakistan. Teams from six countries are expected to participate.
India Secures Hosting Rights for Wheelchair Cricket Asia Cup
India has secured the hosting rights for the 3rd Wheelchair Cricket Asia Cup, marking an important development for wheelchair cricket in the country.
According to a press release issued by the Divyang Cricket Control Board of India (DCCBI) on October 22, 2026, the International Council of Wheelchair Cricket (ICWC) officially awarded the hosting rights to India.
Pakistan had initially been selected to host the tournament. However, the arrangement was reconsidered at an ICWC meeting held on October 18, 2026, taking into account India's non-participation in the proposed arrangement. Following discussions and with the consent of ICWC members, the hosting rights were awarded to India.
UAE Selected as Neutral Venue
Although India has secured the hosting rights, the tournament will not take place in India or Pakistan.
The ICWC decided that the United Arab Emirates would serve as a neutral venue to facilitate the participation of eligible teams and maintain a neutral playing environment. The UAE will therefore host the continental championship.
Six Countries Expected to Participate
The 3rd Wheelchair Cricket Asia Cup is expected to feature teams from six countries:
- India
- Afghanistan
- United Arab Emirates
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Sri Lanka
The tournament will provide an international platform for wheelchair cricketers to represent their countries, demonstrate their abilities and inspire others through sport.
DCCBI Leadership Welcomes the Decision
DCCBI Chairperson and former Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi welcomed the decision alongside General Secretary Haroon Rasheed, President Mukesh Kanchan, Senior Vice Chairman Neeraj Sharma, Wheelchair Cricket Wing Chairman Dr. Bhagwan Talware, CEO Gazal Khan and COO Khalid Abbas.
The board's leadership described the development as an encouraging step towards expanding the recognition and international reach of wheelchair cricket.
The leadership also highlighted the tournament's potential to strengthen sporting ties among participating countries and promote inclusion through sport.
DCCBI Appeals for Government and Corporate Support
Following confirmation of the hosting rights, DCCBI appealed to the Government of India, corporate brands, corporate social responsibility (CSR) partners, sponsors, investors and sports organisations to support the successful organisation of the tournament in the UAE.
The board said that hosting an international championship of this scale would require financial assistance, corporate partnerships, logistical support and institutional cooperation.
According to DCCBI, such support would help provide wheelchair cricketers with professional facilities, international exposure and greater recognition.
Promoting Inclusion Through Sport
DCCBI emphasised that wheelchair cricket extends beyond competition, offering opportunities to promote equality, dignity, confidence and inclusion for people with physical disabilities.
The board expressed confidence that support from the government, corporate sector and sporting community could help make the 3rd Wheelchair Cricket Asia Cup a significant event for wheelchair cricket across Asia.