Cricket, a sport that ignites ardour and pleasure, is deeply rooted within the hearts of hundreds of thousands 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 deliver 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 a part of us as we delve into the journey of this outstanding cricketer and the unbelievable world of Divyang cricket.
Excerpts:
Q: Let’s begin together 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 occurred, the place 6 districts participated, together with ours. From there I bought an opportunity and I started creating extra curiosity on this format. After which I began doing my engineering however stored my cricket alive together with the engineering.
Q: The large query is that many individuals should 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 also be performed individually as a result of earlier than that we used to play with regular gamers. So, in 2013 I had a good friend Shahid, I talked to him and thought that we must always make a Divyang Cricket group. He mentioned that the initiative is nice, then we began on the lookout for gamers and likewise contacted the state physique of Jammu. Throughout that point, this was going to be a event of 6 states. So once we made the group, it was fabricated from 10 gamers. And because the eleventh participant, we selected a laboratory assistant of a science school and on this method, we made a group of 11 gamers. And right this moment I’d prefer to let you know 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 an amazing mixture. We couldn’t qualify in that event additional because of web run charge for since then we’ve grown a lot as a group.
Q: You could have achieved engineering, so how did you are 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 strain from dwelling 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: On the subject of bodily problem cricket, there are primarily 4 varieties, 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 are able to take runner (incapacity one) however the identical will not be allowed in regular cricket. Relaxation is similar, like we additionally play with leather-based balls, helmet, pitch and every thing else is similar.
If we discuss in regards to the starting of Divyang Cricket, then earlier there was an affiliation which was operating since 2007 by the identify of Incapacity Sporting Society. Then this board was shaped in 2019. Let me let you know 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 non-public physique, so Divyang Cricket has not but bought 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 have been the Asia Cup winners. In 2024, the World Cup of Divyang Cricket can also be going to be held.
Q: Wherein class does your group fall in Divyang cricket and who’re the cricketers play in your group?
Sayed S. Aziz: Our group falls underneath Standing cricket. As an illustration, if somebody doesn’t have a hand or a leg or each. Minimal 40 % incapacity is required nevertheless it may go as much as 70 %, like a few of our gamers play with the help of crutches.
Q: Speaking in regards to the development of disabled cricket, how significantly better is it for the gamers when it comes to finance?
Sayed S. Aziz: So far as finance is anxious, I want 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 right this moment, and 10 years in the past, quite a lot of adjustments have are available between when it comes to funds or amenities. Earlier we have been allowed to play in any floor however right this moment we get five-star lodges, good meals, the identical grounds the place Ranji gamers play and worldwide matches are held. So, quite a lot of adjustments have come on this. And I hope that after this World Cup, identical to the situation of our essential cricket modified after the 1983 World Cup, the situation of incapacity cricket can even change in the identical method.
Q: In essential cricket, gamers get wage underneath central contract, what’s the state of affairs in disabled cricket?
Sayed S. Aziz: There isn’t any such situation 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 probably be boosted, the cash will improve 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 latterly performed towards Nepal in Agra throughout the Oil Cup. So what distinction do you see between that and the cricket you may have 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 group 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 group’s captain.
On the subject 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 group’s rating was 192. We gained the sequence 2-1, one recreation was tied wherein Nepal gained the match within the tremendous over. Together with that, for the primary time within the historical past of disabled cricket, a take a look at match was held wherein I used to be enjoying because the vice-captain. Within the first take a look at, I scored 118 runs and I grew to become the primary disabled cricketer to attain 100 in a take a look at. We gained that match by an innings and 18 runs.
Q: Earlier, Divyang Premier League was additionally performed, what would you prefer to say about this?
Sayed S. Aziz: Divyang Premier League was held in 2021, it was the Corona interval at the moment. Our group went to UAE to play, it was a superb event however sadly 25 to 26 of our gamers grew to become Corona constructive. At the moment, our board remained there until our gamers recovered and after caring for everybody, lastly the board got here again to India. This time it’ll occur once more in 2024 and you’ll quickly hear its announcement. Proper now, there’s 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 info do you may have about it?
Sayed S. Aziz: Its announcement has been made not too long ago 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 effectively. This can be a World Cup of eight groups. This World Cup of Divyang Cricket will probably 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: Not too long ago Amir Hussain Lone met Sachin Tendulkar and he additionally performed Indian Road Premier League in Mumbai, how do you see that?
Sayed S. Aziz: If I speak about Amir Hussain Lone, he was a proficient lad however sadly, he misplaced each his arms in an accident however Indian Military performed an enormous function behind saving his life. He’s a diamond of my group. So he was at all times 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 Road Premier League and since then his life modified utterly. Many sporting our bodies got here to help him and right this moment he has a settled life because of Sachin Tendulkar.
Q: May 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 will rehabilitate on the Nationwide Cricket Academy and BCCI additionally offers 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 is no such thing as 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: In fact, disabled cricket also needs to be included within the Paralympics. Should you see, youngsters of our nation deliver extra medals within the Paralympics than in the principle Olympics as a result of they work very laborious. In our nation, Paralympics has quite a 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 have been in Sonipat at the moment the place our matches have been happening. South Africa wanted 30 runs and when our group made a comeback from there, I nonetheless can not imagine it. The bowlers performed an enormous function on this and likewise our captain Rohit Sharma.
It’s a very proud second and the utmost strain is on the captain. He has to lookout for the most effective mixture, his personal efficiency and has to stay as much as the expectations of many. A participant is liable for his personal efficiency however the captain is liable for the entire group. I feel Rohit Sharma led Indian group beautifully and gave us a second to cherish.
Q: Champions Trophy is about 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 must always play towards each nation as our group has the power to beat any group on this planet. So, hybrid mannequin can also be good however even in it’s absence we must always journey to Pakistan and beat them. It will 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 group very effectively. As an illustration, the way in which he gave final over to Joginder Sharma within the 2007 T20 World Cup last. No one anticipated that Joginder would get to bowl the ultimate over provided that Misbah ul Haq was enjoying so effectively throughout that point. So Dhoni has been my idol and I solely comply with him.
Q: Is there any particular all-rounder you comply with?
Sayed S. Aziz: I used to comply with 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 provide them?
Sayed S. Aziz: There may be usually speak about Divyang cricket on social media. When our Divyang Premier League or World Cup will probably be held, it will likely be stay on Sony, so I don’t suppose there will probably be any participant who is not going to have information about it. We get quite a lot of calls from completely different locations and our state coordinators keep watch over them. We have now 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 better 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 deliver pleasure and delight to the whole nation.
