Former Union Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi has been appointed Chairperson of the Divyang Cricket Control Board of India (DCCBI), the governing body that promotes and administers the Indian Divyang Cricket Team and the Indian Wheelchair Cricket Team. The appointment was formally announced on 13 August at the Divyang Cricket Award Ceremony held in Agra.

The Appointment

Lekhi, a former Member of Parliament, senior social worker, and practising advocate at the Supreme Court of India, accepted the role with a pledge of full dedication. Addressing an audience of Divyang cricketers, officials, and organisers, she said she would work towards taking Divyang cricket to greater heights at both the national and international levels.

In her address, Lekhi drew on values of duty and perseverance. 'We should draw inspiration from the life of Lord Shri Ram, who, despite being a prince, followed the wishes of his parents and accepted exile,' she said, adding: 'Keep performing your duties with honesty and dedication; the path will continue to open before you.'

What the Board's Leadership Said

Mukesh Kanchan, President of the DCCBI, warmly welcomed Lekhi to the role. 'The Divyang Cricket Control Board of India has found a mother in you. The Board was in great need of a mother who could guide her children, teach them to move forward, encourage them to work hard, and inspire them to achieve their goals. We are confident that under your guidance, Divyang cricket will reach new heights,' he said.

Dr. Bhagwan Talware, President of the Wheelchair Unit, echoed the sentiment, stating that Lekhi's leadership experience and commitment to social causes would provide new direction and strength to Divyang cricket across India.

Upcoming International Initiative

The DCCBI is advancing plans to host a Tri-Nation Divyang Cricket Series in Mumbai, featuring India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. The proposed series is intended to give players from all three nations a competitive international platform while also strengthening cross-border sportsmanship. No dates have been officially confirmed yet.

Significance for Divyang Athletes

Lekhi's appointment is seen within the Board as a boost for thousands of Divyang cricketers across the country who aspire to compete at national and international levels. Officials expressed confidence that her profile and advocacy experience would open new institutional doors for para-cricket in India. The DCCBI has consistently emphasised that Divyang athletes deserve not just sporting opportunities but also dignity, recognition, and pathways to professional growth.

With a high-profile chairperson now at its helm and an international series in the pipeline, the Board appears poised for a more visible phase in India's para-sports landscape.