After years of struggle and exile, finally it seems that the time for Differently-Abled Cricket has come. The dream of Differently-Abled cricket players to play with BCCI logo and represent India in recognized International tournaments may come true very soon.
With firm support from different groups running Differently-Abled cricket in this country, the Differently-Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) has been formed under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act. Recognized and established cricket associations running wheel chair, physically challenged, blind and deaf cricket came together and united under a common umbrella of DCCI Mr.Mahantesh GK, renowned for his contribution towards Blind Cricket was unanimously elected as the President of DCCI and Mr.Ravi Chauhan, representing PCCAI (Physically Challenged Cricket Association of India), Retd Squadron leader Mr.Abhai Pratap Singh representing WCAI (Wheelchair Cricket India Association) and Mr.Sumit Jain Representing IDCA (Indian Deaf Cricket Association) decided to come together to form a common body for promoting disability cricket.
The suggestion had come from none other than the BCCI General Secretary Mr Jay Shah in recent meeting with all the stake holders of disability cricket. Jay Shah had suggested that BCCI was more eager to help in all forms of cricket in the country including cricket for Differently-Abled Cricket players. The Lodha Committee formed by Supreme Court had also recommended in its report that cricket for Differently Abled should be given a priority and efforts should be made to form a Committee to run Differently-Abled cricket in the country.
All the members of DCCI are Differently-Abled Cricket Players who played and represented INDIA have been striving continuously and diligently for several years to sustain and promote in their respective fields.
Under Shri Jay Shah’s guidance, support and vision has led to the formation of DCCI. Mr.Mahantesh GK welcomed BCCI’s support. “We are very thankful to the BCCI Secretary Shri Jay Shah Ji for continuous support and encouragement to Differently-Abled cricket players in India. With BCCI support, it can boost the cricket movement for the Differently-Abled Cricket Players in the country,” .
The current development will not only be a big boost in improving the overall scenario of Differently-Abled cricket in the country, but also give equal platform and opportunity to these cricket players. In the past also the BCCI has supported Blind Cricket and Women Cricket. Right now, there are thousands of Differently-Abled cricket players in the country who are playing without any help.
“Shri Jay Shah Ji has always patiently heard our problems and has been very supportive in providing support for Differently-Abled cricketers. It will be a dream to have an Indian team for the physically challenged, blind, deaf and wheel chair cricketers,” said the DCCI General Secretary Mr. Ravi Chauhan.
