Kondotti ∙ A wheelchair-bound batsman at the crease, with power to both hands. ‘Flying’ fielders in wheelchairs to catch a high-flying ball and stop rolling ones with chair wheels. A bowler who wears a belt with a wheelchair to avoid falling and bowls towards the wicket.
The previous day, the wheelchair cricket match between Kerala and Tamil Nadu was played at the Jamia Salafia ground in Pulikal, which witnessed a standout battle on a confident pitch. It has only been 8 months since the wheelchair cricket team was formed in Kerala. It was the second inter-state competition held at Pulikal. The South Indian and National Wheelchair Cricket matches are coming up.
Before that, Tamil Nadu and Kerala played a 3-match friendly series. Kerala lost all the 3 matches played in two days. But the Pratibha Wheelchair Cricket Association, the team management, is happy that the team has improved a lot. Pulikal Ability Foundation has taken the helm of the competition.
Seated accidents
Ummer (37), a native of Edavanpara Mundakkal, changed his life to a wheelchair 10 years ago. On November 7, 2012, the cement fell from the building during plastering work. Jithin (30), a native of Kottapadi, Malappuram, was a fashion designer. The door of the luggage box on the side of the tourist bus hit Jit’s back. The accident happened 10 years ago when I was walking to the temple in the morning.
Gokul (28), a native of Areekode Kallarattikal, scored 66 runs off 33 balls in the first game. On April 6, 2012, Gokul lost his leg in a collision between a lorry and a bus. Gokul, who was a graduate student at that time, later completed his graduation. Anees, a native of Aikarapadi, who was in the auto, was paralyzed below the waist when the auto and the mini lorry collided.
Need government help
A few months ago, I went to the match in Odisha by train. Captain Ummer said that the cost of the journey was Rs 35,000. The Kerala team has got the affiliation of Divyang Cricket Control Board of India.
President of Pratibha Wheelchair Cricket Association Basheer K. Muhammad Mamburum and CEO Dr. T. Muhammad Shanil said that the state sports council needs approval and the government should undertake such competitions.