Concerns Raised Over Eligibility in the Disability Premier League
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) faces criticism for allegedly allowing non-disabled players to take part in its Disability Premier League (DPL), potentially obstructing the pathway to international cricket for those with disabilities.
Parents of Jai Charan and Alex Jervis, both former England representatives with diagnosed learning disabilities, claim their sons have been superseded in the DPL by players who do not meet the specified disability criteria under the ECB’s evaluation process.
The DPL is designed to serve as the pinnacle for the England Mixed Disability team, yet another parent, wishing to remain anonymous, estimates that 12 out of 64 players selected in the December draft do not have a disability.
Eligibility Criteria and the Role of Virtus
The ECB is a member of Virtus, the global sports federation for athletes with intellectual impairments, which mandates that players aiming to compete internationally in the learning disability (LD) category need an IQ of 75 or below.
Claims of Improper Selection
Owen Jervis, a volunteer manager for Yorkshire’s disability team, alleges the ECB is permitting several neurodivergent players to join the DPL despite failing to meet eligibility standards, determined by an educational psychologist.
Impact on Players with Learning Disabilities
Many neurodivergent players do not meet the ECB’s LD requirements. While some play professional cricket, including England bowler Em Arlott, who has recently been diagnosed with ADHD and autism, most others face barriers. Due to the mixed disability format, where players with various disabilities compete together, opportunities in the lineup have been significantly reduced.
Voicing Concerns Over Treatment
Owen Jervis highlights that players misclassified without learning disabilities occupy spots meant for those who do qualify, affecting game participation. Consequently, qualified players often end up sidelined or relegated to less engaging roles, which diminishes their motivation.
Message from Parents and ECB’s Response
Numerous other parents express similar frustrations but prefer to remain anonymous due to fears of repercussions for their children. Concerned about the treatment of players with learning disabilities, they feel these athletes are being marginalized. In response, an ECB spokesperson stated that they are committed to providing elite competition and are reviewing the eligibility criteria as the DPL evolves.
