The West Bengal Cricket Association for the Differently Abled (WBCADA) hosted the Eastern Zonal Tournament for Differently Abled Cricket Teams, featuring spirited players from Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. The two-day event concluded yesterday at Kolkata, promising not just competitive cricket but an inspiring celebration of resilience and human spirit.
This tournament was more than a sporting event—it is a powerful statement on ability beyond disability.
Each player has a story of courage:
Overcoming physical challenges, societal barriers, and personal hardships to pursue their passion for cricket.Their journey reflects the essence of sportsmanship—determination, teamwork, and hope, fighting against all odds.
On the occasion of Christmas, the organisers brought a cake from a Kolkata Restaurant to celebrate with the four differently abled cricket teams. The four captains of West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar and Jharkhand joined together to cut the cake.
“The East Zone Tournament held in Kolkata, with participation from four teams, is a matter of great pride for us.This tournament marks an important step toward promoting differently-abled cricket in the East Zone. I would like to sincerely thank all the supporters who stood with us and continue to support disability cricket. We look forward to receiving the same encouragement and support in the future as well, as we aim to take disability cricket to greater heights,” said Ravi Chauhan, Secretary-General, Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI).
“This tournament is about breaking stereotypes. These cricket players are role models of resilience and determination. We want the world to see that cricket belongs to everyone.
I am truly grateful to our patron,said Utpal Majumder, Secretary and Coach of WBCADA.
*Quotes from the field:*
“Cricket gives me a reason to dream big. Every time I step onto the pitch, I feel equal, I feel strong,” said Rajesh Pradhan, a player of Odisha who won the Player of the Match of the finals.
The final match was played between the Differently Abled Teams of Bihar and Odisha yesterday. Odisha Differently Abled cricket team were crowned the Champions of the Tournament.
WBCADA has recently collaborated with British Deputy High Commission Kolkata to play a friendly cricket match to mark the International Day for Persons with Disabilities on 7 December 2025.
(The story was edited by Ms.Pratyusha Mukherjee, a Sr.Broadcast Journalist associated with British Media for more than two decades, has experience in covering the east and northeast, with specialisation in Defence and Sports. In her illustrated career she has covered many major events and achieved International and National media awards for Journalism).
