During this lockdown, we at AICAPC have introduced a new concept of ‘Dressing Room Ki Baatein’ for the benefit of our Physically Challenged Cricketers. It gives them an insight into the lives of legendary cricketer, tricks of the trade, their highlights and Ah ha moments. We started the program with our inhouse stalwarts – Mr Prasad Desai, Mr Vinod Deshpande, Mr Sulakshan Kulkarni, Mr Amogh Pandit, Mr Niranjan Pandit who have been influential in the India winning the Disability Cricket World Series held in UK in 2019. Since that journey they have been an integral part of AICAPC endeavors.
Next we had Mr. Ian Martin, Head of Disability Cricket in UK on how ECB supports the initiatives taken by their physically challenged cricketers, similarly we had Mr Masood, Head of Disability Cricket in Afghanistan give us his experiences. Discussions were held with countries supporting Disability cricket on how we can together get more cricket playing nations involved so we can complement each other and progress upwards. Currently there are only 6 cricketing nations who have a disability cricket team – UK, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India. Also, more tournaments to be held within the year between the countries to keep all the physically challenged cricketers engaged and help them earn as well.
Then we moved onto the exemplary cricketers India has produced for their Expert Advice. The illustrious Indian Test Captain– Mr Mohammad Azharuddin, eminent Test fast bowler Mr Zaheer Khan gave us some amazing insights. The facetious Test cricketer Mr K Srikanth left everyone smiling from ear to ear with his cricketing stories. We had Mr Ajay Ratra give tips regarding wicketkeeping skills and hard work and discipline required to achieve results.
The following week, the legendary Aunshuman Gaekwad and Mr Muscles - Venkatapathy Raju and our President the illustrious Karsan Ghavri shared their thoughts on the show. We could see the amazing camaraderie shared between the Mr Gaekwad and Mr Ghavri on camera. They shared some amazing anecdotes while they were the youngest in the team when they were selected and how with each tour the bond between the players multiplied. Mr Ghavri also reminisced the fun times he shared with his team mates while taking 5 wickets in crucial games. Mr Raju shared about Mr Ajit Wadekar (Late Founder and President of AICAPC) being an excellent coach and treating each and every team member on the same level, nobody was too big or small for him. This helped build confidence and openness amongst the players. He also shared moments during the 1992 World Cup and what goes through the minds of India players when they play against Pakistan – the 1996 World Cup. Also discussed his last game in 2001 and ended the talk on high note advising the physically challenged cricketers in Marathi - “Bindas Khela’. It was moderated by Prasanna Sant , Sports commentator and Presenter on TV and Radio .
This show kept everyone entertained and in high spiritis for 6 months. With this program it was our endeavor to positively impact the lives of the sportspersons who play for a living and were agonized by the pandemic.
