BCCI to award blind Indian cricket team Rs 1 crore

The Indian blind cricket team has definitely made the country proud by winning the T20 world cup last month and the Board Of control for Cricket in India has decided to award the team Rs 1 crore for this lovely achievement. The Indian team lifted the prestigious trophy by defeating arch-rivals Pakistan in Bengaluru.

The Committee of Administrators that took the decision to reward the team is headed by former comptroller and Auditor general of India Vinod Rai and cricket historian Ramachandra Guha, Vikram Limaye, managing director of Infrastructure Development Finance Company and former Women’s captain Diana Edulji. The Cricket Association for Blind in India will receive the prize money and pass it onto the players.

Financial reasons have been one of the major factors that make the players struggle to play the sport with many of the players forced by their employers to play the tournament on “leave without pay” basis. But this move by the BCCI would definitely help the players and improve the condition of Blind cricket in India.

The team was also invited to Narendra Modi’s residence last Tuesday and this decision of rewarding the team with the prize money was an icing on the cake.

The coach of the team Patrick Rajkumar quoted “It’s a fabulous gesture. It’s not the money that matters, but the recognition. I hope BCCI ensures the money is shared amongst the players, support staff and the CABI”

“It’s a great moment for us. Getting this announcement and commitment from BCCI means a lot. My heartfelt thanks to the new team to have taken this decision. I’d written to BCCI officials persistently requesting financial assistance and recognition. We organised the T20 World Cup in a grand manner, which forced us to spend a lot of money and take loans. The blind community is happy about this move” said CABI chief GK Mahantesh.

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The captain of the team Ajay Reddy also stated his happiness on receiving the recognition that the team much needed. According to the captain now the barriers have been broken and the team can play freely without worrying about money.