T20 Blind Cricket World Cup: India’s Venkateshwara Rao Playing Despite Not Getting Salary
Feb 4, 2017 at 11:48 AM
As if playing with a B-2 category partial blindness was not enough, India’s stand-in skipper Venkateshwara Rao, in a blind T20 World Cup match against South Africa, has just raised the bar in commitment.
The opening batsman from Andhra Pradesh, who works at a school, has not been granted leave from his school. However, the India player chose his country ahead of his profession and participated in the ongoing World Cup. But he is paying a hefty price for it as his salary for January is yet to be credited into his account while he’ll also won’t be paid for a good part of February.
Speaking to Mid-Day, Rao said:
“I requested the school’s Head Master to grant me leave as I am representing my country in the World Cup, but he did not approve it.
“I have also not received my salary for January,” said the India player who is paid Rs6000 for working as a physical education teacher at Zilla Parishad High School.
Meanwhile, Rao led India to a thumping nine-wicket victory over South Africa in the absence of regular captain Ajay Reddy, who was rested for the match. After electing to bat first, South Africa scored 157 for eight. In reply, India reached the target, scoring 158 for one, in just 13.5 overs.
The victory was India’s fourth in the ongoing tournament and Rao is confident of defending the World Cup title.
“As you saw, we dominated in all departments of the game today. We are a very good side and I am confident of retaining the World Cup. As far as my job problem is concerned, I will once again request the authorities to consider my financial problems and provide me a regular job, instead of me being employed on a contract basis,” Rao concluded.
Well, we really hope that India retain the title which will see them earn Rs 5 lakh as prize money.