Cricket, a sport that ignites ardour and pleasure, is deeply rooted within the hearts of tens of millions of Indians. Whereas names like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma dominate headlines, there exists a parallel world of cricket that usually goes unnoticed—Divyang cricket, the place bodily challenged athletes showcase their expertise and dedication towards all odds.
The Cricket Occasions carry you an unique interview with Sayed Shah Aziz, the inspirational captain of the Indian Divyang Cricket Workforce. His story is a testomony to the spirit of perseverance and the transformative energy of sports activities. Be part of us as we delve into the journey of this exceptional cricketer and the unimaginable world of Divyang cricket.
Excerpts:
Q: Let’s begin along with your cricketing journey. How did all of it start for you?
Sayed S. Aziz: My cricketing profession started in 2000. Initially, I didn’t learn about Divyang cricket so I used to play with regular (abled) gamers. In 2003 or 2004, a district event befell, the place 6 districts participated, together with ours. From there I received an opportunity and I started creating extra curiosity on this format. After which I began doing my engineering however saved my cricket alive together with the engineering.
Q: The massive query is that many individuals usually are not conscious of Divyang cricket. How did you discover about it
Sayed S. Aziz: It was in 2013 once we heard about Divyang cricket after which searched on YouTube. Then we got here to know that this cricket can be performed individually as a result of earlier than that we used to play with regular gamers. So, in 2013 I had a pal Shahid, I talked to him and thought that we should always make a Divyang Cricket crew. He mentioned that the initiative is nice, then we began on the lookout for gamers and in addition contacted the state physique of Jammu. Throughout that point, this was going to be a event of 6 states. So once we made the crew, it was product of 10 gamers. And because the eleventh participant, we selected a laboratory assistant of a science faculty and on this method, we made a crew of 11 gamers. And in the present day I’d wish to inform you that we’ve 100-plus gamers registered underneath Divyant cricket welfare affiliation.
In 2014, we performed the state stage event. Our first match was towards Rajasthan however we misplaced the sport as we couldn’t make mixture as a result of gamers got here from completely different backgrounds. However in our second match, we defeated Haryana whereas chasing 135 and we had a fantastic mixture. We couldn’t qualify in that event additional as a result of internet run fee for since then we’ve grown a lot as a crew.
Q: You may have carried out engineering, so how did you’re taking cricket ahead together with engineering?
Sayed S. Aziz: I spent three years in engineering in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Throughout that point, there was no stress from residence as a result of we lived in a hostel. So, we used to play cricket each Sunday and sometimes frolicked in cricket even within the night. When it was time for cricket, we gave it a go and when our exams got here, we gave precedence to the exams at the moment, so our cricket journey continued together with engineering.
Q: There’s a Divyang Cricket Board for Divyang cricket. Inform our viewers what’s Divyang cricket and what sections are there in it?
Sayed S. Aziz: In the case of bodily problem cricket, there are primarily 4 sorts, one is Deaf and Dumb cricket, second is blind cricket, third is wheelchair cricket and fourth is standing cricket, the place we play. The one distinction between standing cricket and regular cricket is that we will take runner (incapacity one) however the identical just isn’t allowed in regular cricket. Relaxation is similar, like we additionally play with leather-based balls, helmet, pitch and the whole lot else is similar.
If we speak in regards to the starting of Divyang Cricket, then earlier there was an affiliation which was working since 2007 by the identify of Incapacity Sporting Society. Then this board was shaped in 2019. Let me inform you that at current about 65 video games are acknowledged underneath the Authorities of India however our cricket has not been monetized but as a result of BCCI is a personal physique, so Divyang Cricket has not but received recognition from the Authorities of India. However we’ve carried out above our stage until now, like within the 124 matches organized by our board, we’ve been victorious in 100. In 2016, we had been the Asia Cup winners. In 2024, the World Cup of Divyang Cricket can be going to be held.
Q: Through which class does your crew fall in Divyang cricket and who’re the cricketers play in your crew?
Sayed S. Aziz: Our crew falls underneath Standing cricket. As an example, if somebody doesn’t have a hand or a leg or each. Minimal 40 p.c incapacity is required however it may go as much as 70 p.c, like a few of our gamers play with the help of crutches.
Q: Speaking in regards to the progress of disabled cricket, how significantly better is it for the gamers by way of finance?
Sayed S. Aziz: So far as finance is worried, I wish to share with you that once we began, once we didn’t have nationwide tournaments, we stayed in Dharamshalas, Ashrams, 6-7 gamers stayed in a single room. However at the moment, we gave precedence to selling disabled cricket. And as of in the present day, and 10 years in the past, a whole lot of modifications have are available between by way of funds or amenities. Earlier we had been allowed to play in any floor however in the present day we get five-star motels, good meals, the identical grounds the place Ranji gamers play and worldwide matches are held. So, a whole lot of modifications have come on this. And I hope that after this World Cup, identical to the situation of our primary cricket modified after the 1983 World Cup, the situation of incapacity cricket may also change in the identical method.
Q: In primary cricket, gamers get wage underneath central contract, what’s the scenario in disabled cricket?
Sayed S. Aziz: There isn’t a such state of affairs of wage as of now as a result of when the board has the wage then they are going to give it to us. The board shaped in 2019 has simply accomplished 5 years and just a few corporates have joined us. Steadily when Divyang cricket will likely be boosted, the cash will enhance naturally. Proper now, we get it on the premise of matches, like if we get good sponsorship in a match, then no matter occurs after deducting the bills in it, it’s distributed among the many gamers.
Q: You lately performed towards Nepal in Agra through the Oil Cup. So what distinction do you see between that and the cricket you’ve gotten performed earlier than?
Sayed S. Aziz: In 2022, we went to Nepal for a 3-match sequence, which we gained 2-1. In that our board gave an opportunity to new youngsters as a result of Nepal is a barely weaker crew than us. I used to be the most effective batter in that, I gained the Participant of the Sequence, recreation changer of the match and was additionally appointed as crew’s captain.
In the case of 2023, Nepal got here to India for a T20I sequence. Within the 3 T20 matches, I scored 97 runs within the first match and our crew’s rating was 192. We gained the sequence 2-1, one recreation was tied by which Nepal gained the match within the tremendous over. Together with that, for the primary time within the historical past of disabled cricket, a check match was held by which I used to be taking part in because the vice-captain. Within the first check, I scored 118 runs and I grew to become the primary disabled cricketer to attain 100 in a check. We gained that match by an innings and 18 runs.
Q: Earlier, Divyang Premier League was additionally performed, what would you wish to say about this?
Sayed S. Aziz: Divyang Premier League was held in 2021, it was the Corona interval at the moment. Our crew went to UAE to play, it was a very good event however sadly 25 to 26 of our gamers grew to become Corona optimistic. At the moment, our board remained there until our gamers recovered and after taking good care of everybody, lastly the board got here again to India. This time it will occur once more in 2024 and you’ll quickly hear its announcement. Proper now, there may be additionally its brand launch and press convention to be quickly held in Tamil Nadu.
Q: Now the World Cup of Disabled Cricket goes to be held in Lucknow, so what data do you’ve gotten about it?
Sayed S. Aziz: Its announcement has been made just lately and it’ll happen in Lucknow. This would be the first World Cup of disabled cricket. The 6 groups in it are from Asia like India, Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan, and together with this there are 2 groups from Europe as properly. This can be a World Cup of eight groups. This World Cup of Divyang Cricket will likely be held within the first week of November and we hope that after this World Cup, the plight of Divyang Cricket will change as a result of many individuals are nonetheless unaware of this recreation.
Q: Lately Amir Hussain Lone met Sachin Tendulkar and he additionally performed Indian Avenue Premier League in Mumbai, how do you see that?
Sayed S. Aziz: If I speak about Amir Hussain Lone, he was a gifted lad however sadly, he misplaced each his arms in an accident however Indian Military performed an enormous position behind saving his life. He’s a diamond of my crew. So he was all the time a fan of Sachin Tendulkar and when Tendulkar got here to learn about him he specifically referred to as him and met in Srinagar. Then he was referred to as for Indian Avenue Premier League and since then his life modified fully. Many sporting our bodies got here to help him and in the present day he has a settled life as a result of Sachin Tendulkar.
Q: Might we are saying that Sachin Tendulkar promoted Divyang cricket by assembly Amir Husain Lone?
Sayed S. Aziz: Sure, Sachin sir is anyway thought-about as God of Cricket. And he proved by assembly Amir Husain Lone.
Q: Speaking about regular cricketers, in case of damage they’ll rehabilitate on the Nationwide Cricket Academy and BCCI additionally supplies funds for this. So, what’s the scene in disabled cricket? In the event that they get injured, how do they make a comeback?
Sayed S. Aziz: As of now there isn’t a such provision however there’s a Narayan Seva Sanstha which helps disabled cricketers and regardless of the want of any cricketer is, they arrive ahead and assist him the needy.
Q: Ought to cricket be included within the Paralympics?
Sayed S. Aziz: After all, disabled cricket also needs to be included within the Paralympics. In case you see, youngsters of our nation carry extra medals within the Paralympics than in the principle Olympics as a result of they work very arduous. In our nation, Paralympics has a whole lot of scope in taking disabled youngsters ahead.
Q: Did you watch the T20 World Cup the place India grew to become champions?
Sayed S. Aziz: We had been in Sonipat at the moment the place our matches had been happening. South Africa wanted 30 runs and when our crew made a comeback from there, I nonetheless can’t imagine it. The bowlers performed an enormous position on this and in addition our captain Rohit Sharma.
It’s a very proud second and the utmost stress is on the captain. He has to lookout for the most effective mixture, his personal efficiency and has to reside as much as the expectations of many. A participant is liable for his personal efficiency however the captain is liable for the entire crew. I feel Rohit Sharma led Indian crew beautifully and gave us a second to cherish.
Q: Champions Trophy is ready to happen in Pakistan and BCCI is anticipated to go for a hybrid mannequin. Do you suppose India ought to go to Pakistan?
Sayed S. Aziz: Being a cricketer, we should always play towards each nation as our crew has the power to beat any crew on the planet. So, hybrid mannequin can be good however even in it’s absence we should always journey to Pakistan and beat them. This can give us double pleasure.
Q: Who’s your favorite cricketer and idol?
Sayed S. Aziz: My all-time favorite cricketer and idol has been MS Dhoni. He has been very calm captain and led our crew very properly. As an example, the way in which he gave final over to Joginder Sharma within the 2007 T20 World Cup closing. No person anticipated that Joginder would get to bowl the ultimate over on condition that Misbah ul Haq was taking part in so properly throughout that point. So Dhoni has been my idol and I solely observe him.
Q: Is there any particular all-rounder you observe?
Sayed S. Aziz: I used to observe Yuvraj Singh earlier. However when MS Dhoni arrived on the scene, he grew to become my favorite.
Q: Our final query. How ought to our younger disabled boys transfer ahead? What recommendation would you want to offer them?
Sayed S. Aziz: There may be typically speak about Divyang cricket on social media. When our Divyang Premier League or World Cup will likely be held, will probably be reside on Sony, so I don’t suppose there will likely be any participant who won’t have information about it. We get a whole lot of calls from completely different locations and our state coordinators regulate them. Now we have began a Divyang Cricket Affiliation in Jammu and Kashmir. On this, together with cricket, we’re additionally together with all of the para video games.
Notably, in our chat with Syed, he additionally expressed immense delight in India’s achievements at Paris Olympics 2024, emphasizing the unparalleled pleasure and honor of representing the nation and profitable medals on the worldwide stage. He hopes for a rise in medal tally from three to thirty, reflecting his aspiration for larger success and recognition for Indian athletes. Syed urged the Indian authorities to help athletes comprehensively, making certain they’re well-prepared for competitions and absolutely honored upon victory. He believes that correct promotion of their achievements will carry pleasure and delight to your entire nation.
