ALTON batsman Alex Hammond insists there is plenty more than just results to play for in the first international physical disability cricket tournament which begins in Bangladesh next week. The England international hopes it will lead to the introduction of a World Cup.

Disability cricket is still in its infancy, with an England national team only being launched in 2009 and, until this year, the Three Lions and Pakistan were the only countries to have sides.

But now Alex will be part of the England team that competes in the sport’s first multi-nation competition, with India, Afghanistan and hosts Bangladesh joining the Three Lions and Pakistan at the Red Cross International T20 Tournament.

Hammond made his international debut against Pakistan in Dubai last year and was named man of the series. He is now joined in the squad by younger brother Hugo, also an Alton player, as they become the first siblings to be selected for the England disability team.

England begin against Bangladesh on Wednesday and Alex, 20, hopes the tournament will boost the profile of the game and the project of a World Cup.

“Ideally, I think that’s what everyone would like to happen. Five countries are going out this time, hopefully in a few years there is six or seven, so we can certainly look forward to having a World Cup in the future,” he said.

“This is something we’ve been building up to since the last tour, so of course we’re going out there to try and win as many games as we can. A World Cup is the pinnacle of any sport and we would love to have our own.”

England will play all four teams from September 2-8 in a league format, with the top two sides meeting in the final on Thursday September 10.

Alex Hammond was keen to praise the impact new assistant coach Ian Salisbury, the former England leg-spinner, has had on the squad.

“Ian has done a great job and I think he’ll continue to do so in the future. Everyone gets along with him really well. He’s had a real impact on positive cricket within the squad.”

l Keep up to date with the England PD team in Bangladesh at www.ecb.co.uk or follow @ECB_Cricket.

All county cricket boards are running disability cricket programmes. Email [email protected] to get involved.