Tournament Format: a.) All rules as defined by ICC for T-20 Cricket Tournament format, with few relaxations to accommodate cricket for physically challenged. b.) Physically Challenged eligibility calculated based on definitions provided by World Health Organization. c.) Each player has to submit disability certificate issued by authorized governmental medical institute like the All India Institute for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Mumbai. d.) Round-Robin league matches, each team playing every other team. e.) Winner to be decided based on Point system. Participating Teams: North Zone, Captained by Yash Singh Negi (Delhi) East Zone, Captained by Samaresh Viswas (West Bengal) Central Zone, Captained by Ajay Bhute (Vidharbha) South Zone, Captain to be announced. Defending Champions, West Zone, Captained by Saurabh Ravalia (Maharashtra). Objective: a.) To determine the national champions b.) To identify probable players that would represent India in future International Tournament. c.) To demonstrate the sporting talent of physically challenged cricketers Background: The popularity of Cricket as sports has tremendous potential to bring awareness to various causes, create a more inclusive society and provide the differently abled individuals a platform to demonstrate their talent, as well as uplift their confidence to be equal contributor to society.
The popularity of Cricket as sports has tremendous potential to bring awareness to various causes, create a more inclusive society and provide the differently abled individuals a platform to demonstrate their talent, as well as uplift their confidence to be equal contributor to society.
In 1988, the ALL INDIA CRICKET ASSOCIATION FOR THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED (AICAPC) was founded in Mumbai, by Mr. Ajit Wadekar in association with The Fellowship of the Physically Handicapped, a non-governmental organization dedicated to the welfare of physically challenged persons. Mr. Ajit Wadekar was able to build a team to manage the daily working of AICAPC by bringing together other like-minded individuals from society.
AICAPC is registered under Societies Act 1860 as well as Bombay Public Trust Act 1950 and is the sole apex body in India for promoting the game of Cricket among all the categories of the disabled persons. AICAPC conducts Cricket tournaments for the physically challenged person at local, regional and national level. AICAPC has affiliation with 27 State organizations and we hope more such organization join us. About 350 disabled players representing 27 states from all over India – South to North & East to West will take part in these tournaments.
AICAPC had been regularly conducting Domestic tournament in India to promote the sport and also been conducting matches with international associations. In 2015 AICAPC participated in the 1st 5 Nations T-20 Cricket Tournament for Physically Challenged organized by International Committee for Red Cross in association with Bangladesh Cricket Association and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Bangladesh. The event also served as a platform to formulate a working group to discuss future tournaments and consistent eligibility criteria. The AICAPC is an active contributor to the international forum by providing in-sights of various aspects towards the game development for physically challenged.
The LIC – 7th National Inter-zonal tournament is the final tournament of season. After the hectic calendar, which starts with local tournaments conducted across the nation by various regional association, like the Mumbai Mayor’s trophy hosted by the Mayor of Mumbai every year. The regional tournament provides AICAPC an ability to scout local talent, build a competitive platform for selection of players.
The players associated with AICAPC, represent all parts of country, i.e. from Manipur and Assam in East of India to Saurashtra-Gujrat in West of India, from Jammu in North of India to Kerala to South of India. The team selection for representing the 5 zones of India, has been done on basis of performance of players during zonal and local tournaments that were conducted in past few months in Delhi (North Zone), Mujafarpur (East Zone), Gwalior (Central Zone), Anathpur (South Zone) and Surat (West Zone).
The 2016 Inter-zonal tournament was conducted at Motilal Nehru School of Sports, Rai – Sonipat, by the Differently Abled Cricket Association of Haryana. The winner of previous championship was West Zone. West Zone has demonstrated dominating performance this year too, however we expect other zones challenge West Zone and we anticipate tough competition.
The Inter-zonal tournament helps to identity the top 20 players for playing future international tournament. The tournament also helps us to create an awareness about the challenges faced by physically challenged sportsperson. This awareness helps gather the required support needed to facilitate and further the cause.
The vigor of AICAPC has been matched with financial support by like-minded individuals and corporates, who have shown their social obligation towards physically challenged. AICAPC is very grateful to the Life Insurance Corporation of India, the State Bank of India, ISPAT India Ltd., HDFC Ltd, the New India Assurance, the Indian Oil Ltd., the Vidyasagar Panacea, the Fellowship of Physically Handicapped Mumbai, the Rural Development Trust Anathpur and many others who have always extended their support. We are also thankful to the coverage given by various media. AICAPC would not have able to bring a hope in the life of people with disability, through the game of Cricket, without the support of all.
Padmashri Ajit Wadekar’s Contribution to All India Cricket Association for Physically Challenged: Padmashri Ajit Wadekar had illustrious career, he has brought glory and honour to Country in the field of Cricket. He made his debut in Bombay Team in 1958-59 and began Test career in 1966. He had unique distinction of being a member of the winning Ranji Bombay team for 16 years. He played 41 test matches for India till 1974. He remains the best no. 3 batsman of his time. His name shall always be associated with the success he achieved when he became the 1st Indian captain to have led the Indian team to historic victory against West Indies & England in their home countries.
Padmashri Ajit Wadekar has been one of those unique cricketers who not only served India as a Cricketer and Captain but also as a coach, manager [the longest serving cricket manager in India] and Chairman of the selection committee. A feat achieved by very few eminent cricketers like Late Lala Amernath and Chandu Borde. He was also the president of the All India Veteran Cricket Association. He held the Vice president position for the Mumbai Cricket Association for 6 years.
It was during the victory parade in Mumbai after victorious tour of England, where Wadekar was showered with love and support by physically challenged individuals, had he expressed his desire to work for their cause. He partnered with Joglekar and Mirajkar, who were senior executives with Fellowship of Physically Challenged and All India Institute for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation respectively, to start encouraging cricket among people with disabilities. The idea incepted then took firm foundation and structure in 1988, when, Ajit Wadekar founded All India Cricket Association for Physically Challenged. He brought together people from various walks of life. The current committee members are professionals who have contributed towards sports, medicine, administration as well as social causes. His ability to put team together and draw strength from every team member, has ensured a well-managed and professional functioning of AICAPC.
He has relentlessly devoted his time to AICAPC and well-being of physically challenged, even during his professional career and post retirement. At time he has drawn his own resources for functioning of AICAPC and actively campaigned for AICAPC’s fund raising. He has spent over 30 years with AICAPC, longer then his professional tenure, but never claimed fame over his self-less contribution to the cause. It speaks volume of his commitment and integrity. All members and cricketers associated with the All India Cricket Association for Physically Challenged would always be grateful for his mentorship, dedication and support.ends
