Fixtures announced for World Blind Games and Disability Premier League

Fixtures have been confirmed for the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) World Blind Games and the Disability Premier League.

For the first time, England will have both men’s and women’s teams competing in August at the IBSA World Games in Birmingham. Both teams start their campaign with matches against Australia and both will be aiming for the final at Edgbaston on 26 August. The competition marks a debut for the England Women’s Blind team.

August also sees the start of the Disability Premier League. Three matchdays, on 20 August, 27 August, and 3 September, build towards the Sky Sports-televised DPL Final at Derbyshire Incora County Ground on 6 September.

England’s Physical Disability Team, England’s Learning Disability team and England Deaf teams have also been in action across the summer. The England Deaf team have fixtures remaining against the MCC at Arundel on 23 July, while on the same day England’s Learning Disability team will be up against a Worcestershire County Age Group XI.

Ian Martin, Head of Disability cricket at the ECB, said: “The World Blind Games are a real landmark event for us and we can’t wait for the competition, and it is particularly exciting that for the first time the England Women’s Blind team will be taking part.

“We’re excited about this huge opportunity to showcase the England Men’s and England Women’s Blind Teams and it’s great that the competition is taking place here in England - it will be a spectacular celebration of blind and visually impaired cricket.

“The Disability Premier League continues to go from strength to strength, and it’s exciting that once again the final will be available to watch on Sky Sports. We wish the best of luck to everyone taking part and I can’t wait to watch the action unfold.”

IBSA World Blind Games 2023: Men’s Cricket Fixtures

20 August, King Edward’s School, England v Australia (11am)

20 August, King Edward’s School, India v Pakistan (3pm)

21 August, King Edward’s School, England v Bangladesh (11am)

21 August, King Edward’s School, India v Australia (3pm)

22 August, Tally Ho CC, England v India (11am)

22 August, Tally Ho CC, Pakistan v Bangladesh (3pm)

23 August, King Edward’s School, Australia v Pakistan (10.30am)

23 August, King Edward’s School, India v Bangladesh (3pm)

24 August, King Edward’s School, England v Pakistan (10.30am)

24 August, King Edward’s School, Australia v Bangladesh (3pm)

25 August, Tally Ho CC, Group 2nd Place v Group 3rd Place (1pm)

26 August, Edgbaston, Group Winner v SF Winner (3.30pm)

IBSA World Blind Games 2023: Women’s Cricket Fixtures

19 August, King Edward’s School, England v Australia (1pm)

20 August, King Edward’s School P2, Australia v India (1pm)

21 August, Tally Ho CC, India v England (1pm)

22 August, King Edward’s School, England v Australia (1pm)

23 August, King Edward’s School P2, Australia v India (1pm)

24 August, Tally Ho CC, India v England (1pm)

26 August, Edgbaston, Group Winner v Group Runner-Up (11am)

Disability Premier League Fixtures

20 August, DPL Match Day 1, Neston CC, 4 x T20s (11am)

27 August, DPL Match Day 2, Valley End CC, 4 x T20s (11am)

3 September, DPL Match Day 3, Loughborough, 4 x T20s (11am)

6 September, DPL Final, Incora County Ground, Derby, T20 (1pm)