Cricket and Parkinson's disease: the complete guide

By Daryn Potgieter, a cricketer living with Parkinson's. Last checked 6 October 2026.

Short answer: yes, people with Parkinson's play cricket. Parkinson's UK says being active for 2.5 hours a week can help manage Parkinson's symptoms, and there are ways to play at every level, from walking cricket to county disability cricket. I know, because I'm doing it.

My story

I played cricket as a boy in KwaZulu-Natal, opening the batting for my school. I stopped at 18 and didn't play for nearly thirty years. I came back at the end of the 2025 summer, after my son started playing and I went along to support him.

I joined Merstham CC that winter. Through winter training I got a trial at an indoor session at the Kia Oval, and now I play for Surrey's D40 disability side. In 2026 I scored my first ever half-century.

Parkinson's slows my body. It hasn't taken my mind, or my fight.

Ways to play cricket with Parkinson's

Walking cricket. Slower and gentler. Some sessions are listed by Parkinson's UK as Parkinson's-friendly, for example in Gateshead.
Softball (S9) cricket. In Surrey, S9 is a way in for disabled players and a step up to hardball. Surrey Cricket Foundation.
D40 county cricket. The ECB's 40-over disability competition, for players with a physical disability, learning disability or hearing loss who pass classification. ECB D40 regulations.
Club cricket. Plenty of clubs welcome players with a disability, and the ECB has Disability Champion Clubs with extra support.

Before starting a new sport, talk to your care team. The Michael J. Fox Foundation puts it simply: the best exercise is the one your care team approves and that appeals to you.

What does the research say?

A Cochrane review of 156 trials found any structured exercise is better than none for people with Parkinson's, though the certainty of the evidence is often limited.
Trials are still asking whether intense exercise can slow Parkinson's. There is no answer yet.
I couldn't find a single published study on cricket and Parkinson's (searched October 2026). Boxing, cycling and table tennis have been studied. Cricket hasn't. That's one reason I'm doing this.

Cricketers who've spoken about Parkinson's

Former England spinner Shaun Udal has spoken publicly about living with Parkinson's (PCA).
Australian great Allan Border revealed his diagnosis in 2023 (cricket.com.au).

Watch

Watch the Batting Against Parkinson's film. New videos from the series will appear here as they're published.

Questions

Can you play cricket if you have Parkinson's?

Yes. People with Parkinson's play cricket at different levels, from walking cricket to county disability cricket. Speak to your care team before starting a new sport.

What is D40 cricket?

D40 is the ECB's county disability cricket competition, 40 overs a side, for players with a physical disability, a learning disability, or hearing loss or deafness who pass the ECB's disability classification.

Is there research on cricket and Parkinson's?

We could not find any published studies on cricket and Parkinson's as of October 2026. Exercise in general has been well studied, and boxing, cycling and table tennis have been looked at.

How can I support people with Parkinson's through cricket?

Bat a slot at Batting Against Parkinson's on 20 February 2027, or make a pledge. Donations and pledges go through JustGiving, straight to Parkinson's UK.

Join the movement

Batting Against Parkinson's: twelve hours in the nets, Saturday 20 February 2027, PowerPlay RH1, Redhill. All ages and abilities welcome.

Book a slot Make a pledge Donate

Sources

This page shares lived experience and published information. It is not medical advice.