One of the many sportspeople who was chosen to be bestowed with the Padma Shri, former captain of blind Indian cricket team Shekhar Naik is one of them. Voicing his concern for the lack of sponsorship and recognition by BCCI, Naik said the board should find their interest in this genre of cricket too and help them get national identification.
He said the team has won two world cups in recent past and deserves every bit of recognition from the board. He further added the boys put in the equal dedication and hard work as that of the normal team, and thus are worthy of appreciations.
“It is high time that the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) should recognize the efforts of blind cricketers and give it affiliation. We have won two World Cups and the boys’ hard work and dedication need to be recognized.”
Naik, who will be conferred with Padma Shri said countries like Australia and England have recognised their blind teams and urged the richest cricket’s governing body of the world to do the same. He said, ‘Cricket boards of other countries like Australia, South Africa, England, Pakistan and even smaller nations have already recognised their blind cricket. BCCI, which is the richest Board in the world, should do the same.’
Under Naik’s captaincy India attained victories in two World Cups in 2012 ans 2014, and the 31-year-old said blind cricketers should be provided the same working environment and facilities as that of the Indian team.
He further pushed his request towards the sponsors to come forward and support the blind cricket World Cup, which commences from January 30th in India.
“The blind cricketers put in as much effort as the normal cricketers, so we should be getting the same kind of facilities that Indian cricket team members get. We should get more sponsorship. I also urge the corporate to come forward and support us.”
Gearing up for the mega event, which will be led by Ajay Kumar Reddy, Naik said the 17-member team has practised a lot in the meanwhile and are confident to get the trophy home this time around. He also concluded by saying hope his Padma Shri would motivate the side to play better.
“They have been practicing hard and putting in a lot of effort. I am sure they lift the title again and make the country proud. I am happy to do my bit by encouraging them to give their 100 per cent. I hope that my Padma Shri would further motivate them to do well.”