England will host Australia in the first-ever Mixed Disability Ashes in 2027, with the T20I series marking a milestone in the growth of disability cricket.
Australia’s men’s mixed disability team will tour England for the inaugural contest, which will form part of England’s 2027 Ashes summer. The schedule and venues are yet to be announced.
The addition of the Mixed Disability Ashes means England’s men’s, women’s and mixed disability teams will all play Ashes contests during the same season.
The format has grown steadily in recent years through bilateral series, with England having already played India and set to host another series later this year. Australia’s inclusion further expands the international calendar for mixed disability cricket.
“It really signals the next step of Mixed Disability Cricket to be able to introduce an Ashes. It’s a hugely meaningful progression for the game,” England head of disability cricket Ian Martin said.
“All cricket fans understand the importance of an Ashes series. England v Australia is, for so many, the pinnacle of the game and I’m delighted that our Men’s Mixed Disability squad will get a chance to compete in such a series.”
Cricket Australia chief of cricket James Allsopp said the series represented another step forward for inclusion in the sport.
“The Mixed Disability Ashes series will allow cricketers with a disability in Australia to add a new chapter to one of sport’s greatest rivalries, alongside the Men’s, Women’s and Blind Ashes series,” Allsopp said.
“The National Cricket Inclusion Championships in Ballarat next January will be an important part of the selection process, and we’re excited to take part in the inaugural Mixed Disability Ashes.”
The series is expected to provide elite cricketers with disabilities an opportunity to compete in one of cricket’s most iconic rivalries while further integrating disability cricket into the international game.
–IANS
