Dubai, UAE – October 2024 – The Gulf Inclusive Cricket Board (GICB) has officially launched at the prestigious AccessAbilities Expo in Dubai by the former captain of UAE Cricket Team CP Rizwan, Founder of GICB Ghazal Khan and the Co-founder Sayed Shah Aziz, marking a historic moment for disability cricket in the Gulf region. Founded with the mission to promote and support cricket for differently-abled individuals, GICB is set to redefine inclusivity in sports, creating opportunities for athletes with disabilities to showcase their talents on a global platform.
The official launch, held at the World Trade Center, Dubai, comes as part of GICB’s vision to elevate differently-abled sports and foster an inclusive sporting community across the Gulf. GICB will work in partnership with local and international organizations to promote disability cricket, create employment opportunities for differently-abled individuals, and engage the community through various initiatives such as merchandise sales and inclusive restaurant ventures.
Ghazal Khan, Founder of GICB and a long-standing advocate for the differently-abled community shared her excitement about this milestone: “The launch of GICB is a dream come true, not just for me but for all the differently-abled athletes in the region. We aim to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to shine, regardless of their physical limitations. This is just the beginning, and we look forward to expanding our initiatives to further break down barriers and empower differently-abled individuals across the Gulf.”
Ghazal organised the first-ever International Disability Cricket League namely Divyang Premier League T-20 at Sharjah International Stadium in 2021. Over 100 specially-abled cricketers participate in the 8 franchise-based teams. It was a massively successful event.
The launch at the AccessAbilities Expo is particularly symbolic, as the event is dedicated to showcasing the latest innovations and advancements in accessibility and inclusion. GICB’s participation highlights the critical role sports play in empowering individuals with disabilities, providing them with platforms for personal growth, community engagement, and professional development.
As part of its future plans, GICB will organize cricket tournaments for differently-abled athletes across the Gulf region, bringing together players from various countries.
The GICB launch is set to make a lasting impact on the landscape of disability sports in the region, opening doors for athletes to pursue their passion and succeed in their careers.
For more information about GICB and its upcoming projects, please visit our website or follow us on social media.
About Gulf Inclusive Cricket Board (GICB):
The Gulf Inclusive Cricket Board (GICB) is dedicated to promoting and supporting cricket for differently-abled athletes across the Gulf region. Founded by Ghazal Khan and Sayed Shah Aziz, GICB’s mission is to create an inclusive sporting environment that empowers athletes with disabilities, fosters talent, and provides opportunities for professional and personal growth.
