The Member of Parliament and All India Confederation Chairman of Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes Organizations Udit Raj has made a request on Saturday to government for the reservation in sports which includes cricket while citing the South Africa as an example where it has been mentioned in the national body that six players should be ‘black’ in the national team.
While addressing a meeting of the unit of the confederation in Uttar Pradesh, Raj has pressed for the demand of reservations for Dalits in cricket.
The lawmaker Raj further stated such steps would strengthen the national side if the Dalit community will stand a chance through the reservation.
“All players in the Indian cricket team can even be selected from one city or state. The Indian team can be strengthened if participation of Dalits is ensured through the reservation,” said Raj.
Raj believes there is no such rule existing in Indian team while citing the example of Jammu and Kashmir cricket team where nine players get picked from Kashmir and seven from Jammu region for a particular duration.
However, Jammu region had entertained the quota system in the 1990s when tensions were at high in Kashmir region.
Raj has also suggested such opportunities provided to backward classes would enhance the cricket among such communities.
“I had put forth a message through the Confederation that we are ready to fight for your rights, with your support,” Raj concluded.