Wasim Iqbal expresses gratitude to MCA and DDCA for providing opportunity to play at Wankhede Stadium

India Senior opener Wasim Iqbal during the match against India ‘A’ on Tuesday. Pic/Atul Kamble

It was a dream-come-true moment for differently-abled cricketers as they stepped onto the iconic Wankhede turf for the first time in the maiden Physically Disabled T20 Cricket Series match on Tuesday.

India Senior team opener Jammu & Kashmir-based Wasim Iqbal, who played a crucial role in India's triumph in the Physical Disability T20 World Series at Worcestershire in 2019, enjoyed his batting, smashing a 24-ball 66 (4x4, 7x6) to help his team beat India ‘A' by 83 runs. Shiva Shankara (41) and Vikrant Keni (23) played supporting roles as the team posted 170-9 in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, India ‘A' were bundled out for a mere 87 in 16.5 overs. Left-arm spinner Ganesh Pisal claimed 4-25 for the Indian Senior team.

"Till today, most of us had only watched IPL or international matches at the famous Wankhede Stadium on TV. I've been waiting for a few years to get a chance to play at this beautiful ground, and today, this feels great. I must thank MCA [Mumbai Cricket Association] and DCCI [Differently Abled Cricket Council of India] for providing us this platform," Iqbal, who was named Player of the match award, told mid-day on Tuesday.

Bhayandar-based spinner Pisal, whose right hand has had no sensation since birth, insists disability is not a hindrance. "If our mindset is strong, we can overcome any struggle. All of us disabled cricketers enjoy playing this game. I watched Rohit Sharma make his Test debut [vs West Indies at Kolkata] in 2013. I got inspired and motivated by his attacking style of batting and started taking cricket seriously since. My aim is to play for India," said Pisal.