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 always goes unnoticed—Divyang cricket, the place bodily challenged athletes showcase their expertise and willpower in opposition to all odds.
The Cricket Occasions carry you an unique interview with Sayed Shah Aziz, the inspirational captain of the Indian Divyang Cricket Group. 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 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 find out about Divyang cricket so I used to play with regular (abled) gamers. In 2003 or 2004, a district match passed off, the place 6 districts participated, together with ours. From there I acquired an opportunity and I started growing 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 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 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 should always make a Divyang Cricket staff. He mentioned that the initiative is sweet, 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 match of 6 states. So once we made the staff, it was fabricated from 10 gamers. And because the eleventh participant, we selected a laboratory assistant of a science faculty and on this means, we made a staff of 11 gamers. And immediately I’d wish to inform you that we’ve got 100-plus gamers registered underneath Divyant cricket welfare affiliation.
In 2014, we performed the state degree match. Our first match was in opposition to Rajasthan however we misplaced the sport as we couldn’t make mixture as a result of gamers got here from totally different backgrounds. However in our second match, we defeated Haryana whereas chasing 135 and we had an awesome mixture. We couldn’t qualify in that match additional resulting from internet run fee for since then we’ve got grown a lot as a staff.
Q: You’ve gotten achieved 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 dwelling as a result of we lived in a hostel. So, we used to play cricket each Sunday and infrequently 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: With regards to 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 all the things else is similar.
If we speak concerning the starting of Divyang Cricket, then earlier there was an affiliation which was working since 2007 by the title 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 non-public physique, so Divyang Cricket has not but acquired recognition from the Authorities of India. However we’ve got carried out above our degree until now, like within the 124 matches organized by our board, we’ve got been victorious in 100. In 2016, we had been the Asia Cup winners. In 2024, the World Cup of Divyang Cricket can also be going to be held.
Q: By which class does your staff fall in Divyang cricket and who’re the cricketers play in your staff?
Sayed S. Aziz: Our staff falls underneath Standing cricket. For example, if somebody doesn’t have a hand or a leg or each. Minimal 40 p.c incapacity is required but it surely may go as much as 70 p.c, like a few of our gamers play with the assist of crutches.
Q: Speaking concerning the development of disabled cricket, how significantly better is it for the gamers by way of 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 immediately, and 10 years in the past, a number of adjustments have are available between by way of funds or amenities. Earlier we had been allowed to play in any floor however immediately we get five-star inns, good meals, the identical grounds the place Ranji gamers play and worldwide matches are held. So, a number of adjustments have come on this. And I hope that after this World Cup, identical to the situation of our foremost cricket modified after the 1983 World Cup, the situation of incapacity cricket may also change in the identical means.
Q: In foremost cricket, gamers get wage underneath central contract, what’s the state of affairs 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’ll give it to us. The board shaped in 2019 has simply accomplished 5 years and only some corporates have joined us. Regularly when Divyang cricket might be boosted, the cash will enhance naturally. Proper now, we get it on the idea 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 in opposition to Nepal in Agra in the course of the Oil Cup. So what distinction do you see between that and the cricket you will have performed earlier than?
Sayed S. Aziz: In 2022, we went to Nepal for a 3-match collection, which we received 2-1. In that our board gave an opportunity to new youngsters as a result of Nepal is a barely weaker staff than us. I used to be one of the best batter in that, I received the Participant of the Sequence, recreation changer of the match and was additionally appointed as staff’s captain.
With regards to 2023, Nepal got here to India for a T20I collection. Within the 3 T20 matches, I scored 97 runs within the first match and our staff’s rating was 192. We received the collection 2-1, one recreation was tied wherein Nepal received 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 turned the primary disabled cricketer to attain 100 in a take a look at. We received 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 staff went to UAE to play, it was an excellent match however sadly 25 to 26 of our gamers turned 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’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 will 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. It is a World Cup of eight groups. This World Cup of Divyang Cricket might 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: Just 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 discuss Amir Hussain Lone, he was a gifted lad however sadly, he misplaced each his fingers in an accident however Indian Military performed an enormous position behind saving his life. He’s a diamond of my staff. So he was at all times a fan of Sachin Tendulkar and when Tendulkar got here to find out 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 assist him and immediately he has a settled life resulting from 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 harm they will 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 any 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. When you see, youngsters of our nation carry extra medals within the Paralympics than in the primary Olympics as a result of they work very laborious. In our nation, Paralympics has a number of scope in taking disabled youngsters ahead.
Q: Did you watch the T20 World Cup the place India turned champions?
Sayed S. Aziz: We had been in Sonipat at the moment the place our matches had been occurring. South Africa wanted 30 runs and when our staff 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 one of the best 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 staff. I feel Rohit Sharma led Indian staff beautifully and gave us a second to cherish.
Q: Champions Trophy is ready to happen in Pakistan and BCCI is predicted to go for a hybrid mannequin. Do you assume India ought to go to Pakistan?
Sayed S. Aziz: Being a cricketer, we should always play in opposition to each nation as our staff has the power to beat any staff on the earth. So, hybrid mannequin can also be good however even in it’s absence we should always journey to Pakistan and beat them. This may 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 staff very effectively. For example, the way in which he gave final over to Joginder Sharma within the 2007 T20 World Cup ultimate. No person anticipated that Joginder would get to bowl the ultimate over on condition 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 turned 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 typically discuss Divyang cricket on social media. When our Divyang Premier League or World Cup might be held, will probably be stay on Sony, so I don’t assume there might be any participant who won’t have information about it. We get a number of calls from totally 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 pleasure in India’s achievements at Paris Olympics 2024, emphasizing the unparalleled pleasure and honor of representing the nation and successful 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 assist 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 pleasure to the whole nation.
