Join Shropshire’s Disability sides – with the chance of an England call!
Cricket Shropshire’s Disability D40 side are looking for new recruits from league cricket in the county to help them in their 2025 campaign.
And it could lead players to an appearance in a prestigious national competition featured on Sky Sports and England recognition.
It’s an exciting time to get involved in disability sport which has become increasingly popular since the London Olympics in 2012 across a range of disciplines.
This year Shropshire’s D40s are competing in the Northern section of the Quest competition and are up against First Class counties such as Lancashire and Yorkshire.
“It’s not about what’s different. It’s about what’s possible.”
Coach Graham Furber said: “This really is top class competition in one of the best leagues in the country.
“We’re up against cricketers who are regulars in the Disability Premier League and also England players – so the standard is really high.
“We feel there are players out there playing regularly in the top divisions of the Shropshire League who may be eligible to play for us in the D40s.
“So we are encouraging them to get in touch and we can have a chat about them getting involved in the games which are competitive but played in a friendly environment.
“It really is a high standard of cricket – and could result in them being selected to play in the Disability Premier League, the final of which is televised live on Sky each season.
“And, of course, that ultimately could lead to England recognition.”
The county’s disability set up is also looking to recruit new players for their S9 side.
Shropshire has a great record of producing players who have gone on to play in both the Disability Premier League and have also had England recognition in recent years.
Shaun Rigby, Adam Marshall and Kev Baker have all played in the DPL, while Shropshire’s James Wojda has also been involved in the competition in a coaching capacity.
Kev was part of the winning team two years ago and took a spectacular catch in the televised final on Sky Sports at the County Ground at Derby – it also went viral on social media.
Teenager Oli Harrison is a member of the England and Wales Transplant cricket squad, while Matty Bailey is a regular in England’s Deaf squad.
Cricket Shropshire Lead Officer Steve Reese said: “The ECB and Cricket Shropshire are committed to increase the profile of disability cricket, with England Disability looking forward to a seven match IT20 mixed disability series against India this Summer.
“It will bring together players with learning disability, physical disability and hearing impaired.
The highlight will be on Wednesday 25th June where on MCC’s Disability Day, England and India will play at Lord’s where the hosts will be seeking revenge following defeat in the Physical Disability Champions Trophy Final in January against India.”
Anyone interested in getting involved can fill in the form HERE.
Or they can contact Cricket Shropshire via info@cricketshropshire.co.uk