Champs West Zone seek BCCI support for differently abled cricketers

The West Zone team, led by Abhinandan Upadhyay (extreme right), with the Ajit Wadekar Trophy at Jolly Gymkhana on Friday

West Zone outclassed North Zone by six wickets in the final to clinch the Ajit Wadekar Trophy for differently abled cricketers at the Jolly Gymkhana, Ghatkopar, on Friday.

The tournament, currently in its ninth edition, is organised by the All India Cricket Association for the Physically Challenged (AICAPC), which was founded by former India captain Ajit Wadekar, and is currently helmed by ex-India all-rounder Karsan Ghavri.

However, it was mixed feelings for West Zone skipper Abhinandan Upadhyay, 34, who was part of India's disabled cricket team in 2020. He was delighted with West Zone's success, but expressed concerns about the difficulties India's disabled cricketers are facing as their body continues to seek support from the BCCI.

"The Ajit Wadekar Trophy is a prestigious trophy and our team has done well to remain unbeaten, but we have bigger battles to fight off the field," Upadhyay told mid-day.

"We, disabled players, do not receive any monetary assistance. Sometimes, travel for our matches without reservation. We are not asking for money, but we need better facilities. There are several associations for disabled cricketers and while they are all fighting among themselves for BCCI's support, it's the players who are suffering. It's high time the BCCI takes some tough decisions in favour of us disabled cricketers," added Upadhyay.

Former India disabled cricket team skipper Dinesh Kumar Sain, who is coach of the North Zone team, believes every Indian disabled cricketer should be a part of this competition. "Every disabled cricketer should represent their respective zonal teams and play for the Wadekar trophy, including someone like Vikrant Keni [India's 2019 Physical Disability T20 World Series-winning captain, who plays for a rival association]. I urge all the players to play under AICAPC. Ultimately it's not the officials, but the players who are struggling due to these multiple bodies," Sain told mid-day.