Vadodara hosts selection camp for Deaf International Cricket T20 World Cup

42 deaf cricket players have come to Vadodara from all over the country to get selected for the Deaf International World Cup to be held in Delhi in November. These players belong from the professions like tailoring, plumbing while some work as daily wage workers. These men with immaculate cricketing skills have been identified as potential players for the World Cup.
Imran Sheikh, a deaf cricketer from Vadodara has a big accomplishment in his pouch. He was in the deaf cricket team which won World Cup in the year 2004. Years have passed but Imran isn’t left with much recognition for his hard efforts for winning the prestigious cup. Today, he sells moong chaat in a small ‘laari’ outside the Kamatibaug. This profession of his isn’t for his life’s daily bread but for opening a cricket academy for the deaf people. He wishes to establish and support them with such cricket centre with all the necessary amenities.
Players that have come to the city have had difficult past. Their life isn’t glamorous as the normal cricketing team of India is blessed to have. These players aren’t provided with any secured travel plans, hotel stays or physiotherapist for their safe wellbeing. They’re even devoid of cricket gears like batting kit and proper sports shoes. Instead of belonging from the financially disabled strata of the society, they’ve come a long way in carving their own identity in the field of deaf cricket.
Harendra Patel, owner of the Vadodara Cricket Academy Ground is a ray of hope and sunshine for these people. He has exclusively allotted his ground without any charges for the duration of 15 days for these talented players to practise and for selection process.
In a press conference organised, the team got honoured when they were sponsored by companies like GNFC, BRG and a real estate firm with 20 cricket kits, day’s three time meal and accommodation.
Ace cricketer Imran Sheikh would be carrying out the selection process for further enrolment. Deserving 25 deaf cricketers would go further to Delhi for the World Cup selection. These players have high hopes for gaining recognition in their respective sport. They wish to have their niche commemorated for their efforts and talent.