Cricket, a sport that ignites passion and excitement, is deeply rooted in the hearts of millions of Indians. While names like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma dominate headlines, there exists a parallel world of cricket that often goes unnoticed—Divyang cricket, where physically challenged athletes showcase their talent and determination against all odds.

The Cricket Times bring you an exclusive interview with Sayed Shah Aziz, the inspirational captain of the Indian Divyang Cricket Team. His story is a testament to the spirit of perseverance and the transformative power of sports. Join us as we delve into the journey of this remarkable cricketer and the incredible world of Divyang cricket.

Excerpts:

Q: Let’s start with your cricketing journey. How did it all begin for you?

Sayed S. Aziz: My cricketing career began in 2000. Initially, I didn’t know about Divyang cricket so I used to play with normal (abled) players. In 2003 or 2004, a district tournament took place, where 6 districts participated, including ours. From there I got a chance and I began developing more interest in this format. After which I started doing my engineering but kept my cricket alive along with the engineering.

Q: The big question is that many people are not aware of Divyang cricket. How did you find about it

Sayed S. Aziz: It was in 2013 when we heard about Divyang cricket and then searched on YouTube. Then we came to know that this cricket is also played separately because before that we used to play with normal players. So, in 2013 I had a friend Shahid, I talked to him and thought that we should make a Divyang Cricket team. He said that the initiative is good, then we started looking for players and also contacted the state body of Jammu. During that time, this was going to be a tournament of 6 states. So when we made the team, it was made of 10 players. And as the 11th player, we chose a laboratory assistant of a science college and in this way, we made a team of 11 players. And today I’d like to tell you that we have 100-plus players registered under Divyant cricket welfare association.

In 2014, we played the state level tournament. Our first match was against Rajasthan but we lost the game as we couldn’t make combination because players came from different backgrounds. But in our second match, we defeated Haryana while chasing 135 and we had a great combination. We couldn’t qualify in that tournament further due to net run rate for since then we have grown so much as a team.

Q: You have done engineering, so how did you take cricket forward along with engineering?

Sayed S. Aziz: I spent three years in engineering in 2007, 2008 and 2009. During that time, there was no pressure from home because we lived in a hostel. So, we used to play cricket every Sunday and often spent time in cricket even in the evening. When it was time for cricket, we gave it a go and when our exams came, we gave priority to the exams at that time, so our cricket journey continued along with engineering.

Q: There is a Divyang Cricket Board for Divyang cricket. Tell our viewers what is Divyang cricket and what sections are there in it?

Sayed S. Aziz: When it comes to physical challenge cricket, there are mainly four types, one is Deaf and Dumb cricket, second is blind cricket, third is wheelchair cricket and fourth is standing cricket, where we play. The only difference between standing cricket and normal cricket is that we can take runner (disability one) but the same is not allowed in normal cricket. Rest is same, like we also play with leather balls, helmet, pitch and everything else is same.

If we talk about the beginning of Divyang Cricket, then earlier there was an association which was running since 2007 by the name of Disability Sporting Society. Then this board was formed in 2019. Let me tell you that at present about 65 games are recognized under the Government of India but our cricket has not been monetized yet because BCCI is a private body, so Divyang Cricket has not yet got recognition from the Government of India. But we have performed above our level till now, like in the 124 matches organized by our board, we have been victorious in 100. In 2016, we were the Asia Cup winners. In 2024, the World Cup of Divyang Cricket is also going to be held.

Q: In which category does your team fall in Divyang cricket and who are the cricketers play in your team?

Sayed S. Aziz: Our team falls under Standing cricket. For instance, if someone doesn’t have a hand or a leg or both. Minimum 40 percent disability is required but it could go up to 70 percent, like some of our players play with the support of crutches.

Q: Talking about the growth of disabled cricket, how much better is it for the players in terms of finance?

Sayed S. Aziz: As far as finance is concerned, I would like to share with you that when we started, when we did not have national tournaments, we stayed in Dharamshalas, Ashrams, 6-7 players stayed in one room. But at that time, we gave priority to promoting disabled cricket. And as of today, and 10 years ago, a lot of changes have come in between in terms of finances or facilities. Earlier we were allowed to play in any ground but today we get five-star hotels, good food, the same grounds where Ranji players play and international matches are held. So, a lot of changes have come in this. And I hope that after this World Cup, just like the condition of our main cricket changed after the 1983 World Cup, the condition of disability cricket will also change in the same way.

Q: In main cricket, players get salary under central contract, what is the situation in disabled cricket?

Sayed S. Aziz: There is no such scenario of salary as of now because when the board has the salary then they will give it to us. The board formed in 2019 has just completed 5 years and only a few corporates have joined us. Gradually when Divyang cricket will be boosted, the money will increase naturally. Right now, we get it on the basis of matches, like if we get good sponsorship in a match, then whatever happens after deducting the expenses in it, it is distributed among the players.

Q: You recently played against Nepal in Agra during the Oil Cup. So what difference do you see between that and the cricket you have played before?

Sayed S. Aziz: In 2022, we went to Nepal for a 3-match series, which we won 2-1. In that our board gave a chance to new kids because Nepal is a slightly weaker team than us. I was the best batter in that, I won the Player of the Series, game changer of the match and was also appointed as team’s captain.

When it comes to 2023, Nepal came to India for a T20I series. In the 3 T20 matches, I scored 97 runs in the first match and our team’s score was 192. We won the series 2-1, one game was tied in which Nepal won the match in the super over. Along with that, for the first time in the history of disabled cricket, a test match was held in which I was playing as the vice-captain. In the first test, I scored 118 runs and I became the first disabled cricketer to score a hundred in a test. We won that match by an innings and 18 runs.

Q: Earlier, Divyang Premier League was also played, what would you like to say about this?

Sayed S. Aziz: Divyang Premier League was held in 2021, it was the Corona period at that time. Our team went to UAE to play, it was a good tournament but unfortunately 25 to 26 of our players became Corona positive. At that time, our board remained there till our players recovered and after taking care of everyone, finally the board came back to India. This time it is going to happen again in 2024 and you will soon hear its announcement. Right now, there is also its logo launch and press conference to be soon held in Tamil Nadu.

Q: Now the World Cup of Disabled Cricket is going to be held in Lucknow, so what information do you have about it?

Sayed S. Aziz: Its announcement has been made recently and it will take place in Lucknow. This will be the first World Cup of disabled cricket. The 6 teams in it are from Asia like India, Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan, and along with this there are 2 teams from Europe as well. This is a World Cup of eight teams. This World Cup of Divyang Cricket will be held in the first week of November and we hope that after this World Cup, the plight of Divyang Cricket will change because many people are still unaware of this game.

Q: Recently Amir Hussain Lone met Sachin Tendulkar and he also played Indian Street Premier League in Mumbai, how do you see that?

Sayed S. Aziz: If I talk about Amir Hussain Lone, he was a talented lad but unfortunately, he lost both his hands in an accident but Indian Army played a huge role behind saving his life. He is a diamond of my team. So he was always a fan of Sachin Tendulkar and when Tendulkar came to know about him he specially called him and met in Srinagar. Then he was called for Indian Street Premier League and since then his life changed completely. Many sporting bodies came to support him and today he has a settled life due to Sachin Tendulkar.

Q: Could we say that Sachin Tendulkar promoted Divyang cricket by meeting Amir Husain Lone?

Sayed S. Aziz: Yes, Sachin sir is anyway considered as God of Cricket. And he proved by meeting Amir Husain Lone.

Q: Talking about normal cricketers, in case of injury they can rehabilitate at the National Cricket Academy and BCCI also provides funds for this. So, what is the scene in disabled cricket? If they get injured, how do they make a comeback?

Sayed S. Aziz: As of now there is no such provision but there is a Narayan Seva Sanstha which supports disabled cricketers and whatever the need of any cricketer is, they come forward and help him the needy.

Q: Should cricket be included in the Paralympics?

Sayed S. Aziz: Of course, disabled cricket should also be included in the Paralympics. If you see, children of our country bring more medals in the Paralympics than in the main Olympics because they work very hard. In our country, Paralympics has a lot of scope in taking disabled children forward.

Q: Did you watch the T20 World Cup where India became champions?

Sayed S. Aziz: We were in Sonipat at that time where our matches were going on. South Africa needed 30 runs and when our team made a comeback from there, I still cannot believe it. The bowlers played a big role in this and also our captain Rohit Sharma.

It is a very proud moment and the maximum pressure is on the captain. He has to lookout for the best combination, his own performance and has to live up to the expectations of many. A player is responsible for his own performance but the captain is responsible for the whole team. I think Rohit Sharma led Indian team superbly and gave us a moment to cherish.

Q: Champions Trophy is set to take place in Pakistan and BCCI is expected to go for a hybrid model. Do you think India should go to Pakistan?

Sayed S. Aziz: Being a cricketer, we should play against every nation as our team has the ability to beat any team in the world. So, hybrid model is also good but even in it’s absence we should travel to Pakistan and beat them. This will give us double joy.

Q: Who is your favourite cricketer and idol?

Sayed S. Aziz: My all-time favourite cricketer and idol has been MS Dhoni. He has been very calm captain and led our team very well. For instance, the way he gave last over to Joginder Sharma in the 2007 T20 World Cup final. Nobody anticipated that Joginder would get to bowl the final over given that Misbah ul Haq was playing so well during that time. So Dhoni has been my idol and I only follow him.

Q: Is there any specific all-rounder you follow?

Sayed S. Aziz: I used to follow Yuvraj Singh earlier. But when MS Dhoni arrived at the scene, he became my favourite.

Q: Our last question. How should our young disabled boys move forward? What advice would you like to give them?

Sayed S. Aziz: There is often talk about Divyang cricket on social media. When our Divyang Premier League or World Cup will be held, it will be live on Sony, so I don’t think there will be any player who will not have knowledge about it. We get a lot of calls from different places and our state coordinators keep an eye on them. We have started a Divyang Cricket Association in Jammu and Kashmir. In this, along with cricket, we are also including all the para games.

Notably, in our chat with Syed, he also expressed immense pride in India’s achievements at Paris Olympics 2024, emphasizing the unparalleled joy and honor of representing the nation and winning medals on the international stage. He hopes for an increase in medal tally from three to thirty, reflecting his aspiration for greater success and recognition for Indian athletes. Syed urged the Indian government to support athletes comprehensively, ensuring they are well-prepared for competitions and fully honored upon victory. He believes that proper promotion of their achievements will bring joy and pride to the entire nation.

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