Cricket’s oldest rivalry is expanding again, with the first-ever Mixed Disability Ashes to be staged in England in 2027.
Australia’s men’s mixed disability team will travel next summer to face England in a Vitality IT20 series, with dates and venues still to be confirmed.
Mixed disability cricket brings together physical disability, learning disability and deaf cricketers in one team, and England hosted the format’s first international series against India last summer.
It means three England sides – the men, the women and the men’s mixed disability team – will all be competing for an Ashes urn next year.
“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,” said the ECB’s Head of Disability Cricket Ian Martin.
“All cricket fans understand the importance of an Ashes series. England v Australia is for so many the peak of the game and I’m delighted that our Men’s Mixed Disability squad will get a chance to compete in such a series.
“We’ve had a fantastic series against India, with another one due this summer, and we’re keen to continue growing this format. I’m delighted we’ll be able to welcome Australia to the UK next summer and I can’t wait for our first Mixed Disability Ashes series.”
“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, along with the Men’s, Women’s and Blind Ashes series,” said Cricket Australia Chief of Cricket James Allsopp.
“We’re excited to align with other nations’ cricket boards in fielding Mixed Disability teams, and have followed England’s and India’s series with interest the past two years.
“The National Cricket Inclusion Championships in Ballarat next January will be an important part of the selection process for the Mixed Disability Ashes, including our first feature match in the format.
“We can’t wait to take part in the new Ashes series next year and have our elite cricketers with a disability take on our oldest rivals in England.”
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