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
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.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
