For the first time in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the newly formed Differently-abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) will witness the opening match of IPL-14 which is to be played between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore on Friday.
Mr Jay Shah, the Secretary of the BCCI, has extended an invitation to the office bearers of the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) to come and be part of the IPL Opening match to be held in Chennai on the 9th of April. This is for the first time the DCCI members will be part of any BCCI event.
This year’s IPL Opening ceremony for the first time shall have representation from the Differently abled governing council members. Mr. Jay Shah, the Secretary of the BCCI, has extended invitation to the office bearers of the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) pic.twitter.com/d1vur2azpU
— Wheelchair Cricket India (@india_wcc) April 8, 2021
Dr Mahantesh. G.K President of DCCI expressed his gratitude and thanked Jay Shah, “We are very thankful to Mr Jay Shah for inviting us to attend the opening ceremony of the biggest T20 tournament in the world. From the very beginning, he has been very encouraging and has been promoting differently-abled cricket in the country.”
Ravi Chauhan, Secretary of DCCI, considers this as a mark of respect and appreciation for thousands of differently-abled cricket players of the country. “Though five members of DCCI will be attending the Opening Ceremony in Chennai, in reality, thousands of cricketers of PWD community shall feel proud. We are just the faces, but the invitation is actually to each and every differently-abled cricketer and for this, we will be always grateful to Mr Shah for keeping his promise of giving dignity and equality to our cricket.”.
“After years of struggle, finally it seems that the time for Differently-Abled Cricket has come. There cannot be a better brand ambassador than Cricket for Disability Rights in India. BCCI will definitely be the torchbearer of a better and accessible India for Persons with Disability”, said Sqn Ldr Abhai Pratap Singh Jt Secy DCCI, an Ex Airforce Fighter Pilot representing Wheelchair Cricket.
