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 willpower in opposition to all odds.
The Cricket Instances convey 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 learn 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 obtained 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 massive query is that many individuals will not be conscious of Divyang cricket. How did you discover about it
Sayed S. Aziz: It was in 2013 after 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 nice, then we began searching for gamers and likewise contacted the state physique of Jammu. Throughout that point, this was going to be a match of 6 states. So after we made the staff, it was fabricated from 10 gamers. And because the eleventh participant, we selected a laboratory assistant of a science school and on this manner, we made a staff of 11 gamers. And as we speak I’d prefer to let you know that we now have 100-plus gamers registered below Divyant cricket welfare affiliation.
In 2014, we performed the state stage 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 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 match additional attributable to web run price for since then we now have grown a lot as a staff.
Q: You might have completed 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 infrequently hung out 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 just isn’t allowed in regular cricket. Relaxation is similar, like we additionally play with leather-based balls, helmet, pitch and all the pieces else is similar.
If we discuss 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 fashioned in 2019. Let me let you know that at current about 65 video games are acknowledged below 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 obtained recognition from the Authorities of India. However we now have carried out above our stage until now, like within the 124 matches organized by our board, we now have 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 below Standing cricket. As an illustration, 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 help of crutches.
Q: Speaking in regards to the progress of disabled cricket, how a lot better is it for the gamers by way of finance?
Sayed S. Aziz: So far as finance is anxious, I wish to share with you that after we began, after 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 as we speak, and 10 years in the past, a variety of adjustments have are available in between by way of funds or services. Earlier we had been allowed to play in any floor however as we speak we get five-star accommodations, good meals, the identical grounds the place Ranji gamers play and worldwide matches are held. So, a variety of adjustments have come on this. And I hope that after this World Cup, similar to the situation of our primary cricket modified after the 1983 World Cup, the situation of incapacity cricket may even change in the identical manner.
Q: In primary cricket, gamers get wage below 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 are going to give it to us. The board fashioned in 2019 has simply accomplished 5 years and only some corporates have joined us. Regularly when Divyang cricket will probably 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 latterly 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 might 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 staff than us. I used to be the most effective batter in that, I gained the Participant of the Collection, sport changer of the match and was additionally appointed as staff’s captain.
With regards to 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 staff’s rating was 192. We gained the sequence 2-1, one sport 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 taking part in 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 staff went to UAE to play, it was a superb match 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 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 emblem 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 might have 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 nicely. 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 sport.
Q: Lately 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 discuss Amir Hussain Lone, he was a proficient 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 staff. 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 Road Premier League and since then his life modified fully. Many sporting our bodies got here to help him and as we speak he has a settled life attributable to 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 the event you see, youngsters of our nation convey extra medals within the Paralympics than in the primary Olympics as a result of they work very arduous. In our nation, Paralympics has a variety 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 staff made a comeback from there, I nonetheless can’t imagine it. The bowlers performed a giant position on this and likewise 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 staff. I feel Rohit Sharma led Indian staff fantastically and gave us a second to cherish.
Q: Champions Trophy is about to happen in Pakistan and BCCI is predicted 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 in opposition to each nation as our staff has the power to beat any staff on this planet. So, hybrid mannequin can also be good however even in it’s absence we should 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 staff very nicely. As an illustration, the way in which he gave final over to Joginder Sharma within the 2007 T20 World Cup ultimate. No one anticipated that Joginder would get to bowl the ultimate over provided that Misbah ul Haq was taking part in so nicely 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 offer them?
Sayed S. Aziz: There’s typically discuss Divyang cricket on social media. When our Divyang Premier League or World Cup will probably be held, it is going to be reside on Sony, so I don’t suppose there will probably be any participant who is not going to have information about it. We get a variety of calls from completely different locations and our state coordinators control them. We’ve 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 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, guaranteeing they’re well-prepared for competitions and totally honored upon victory. He believes that correct promotion of their achievements will convey pleasure and pleasure to your entire nation.
