MUMBAI: While the entire country and the cricketing world was celebrating the historic 100th Test match of Virat Kohli, the day was an extra-special for the differently-abled cricketers of the country.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah launched the trophy of the Divyang Cricket Tournament, which will be played at Hyderabad from March 11-13. Shah said that he was happy with the progress being made by the newly-formed cricket committee for differently-abled cricketers. "There is a visible positive energy among the differently-abled cricketers and tournaments like this are signs of changing times. The BCCI is there to give every possible guidance and support to this form of cricket", said Shah while launching the trophy.
The tournament shall consist of seven teams —Gujarat, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, Hyderabad and Vidarbha. Former India skipper Mohammad Azharuddin has said that the Hyderabad Cricket Association will extend its full support for organizing this tournament. "This is a new form of cricket and we at HCA will try to make this an amazing experience for these players. The final will be played at the international ground of RGI at Uppal and players shall get the feel of international level cricket," Azharuddin said.
Ravi Chauhan, a member of the Cricket Committee formed by BCCI, considers this another step in the right direction for the development and promotion of cricket for differently-abled cricketers. "After the successful HAP Cup in Panchkula, this tournament is another step in the right direction. Tournaments like these give hope and confidence to thousands of cricketers that now their game will be recognized and noticed. We are thankful to the BCCI and HCA for their support", said Chauhan.
