Unlike conventional cricket, the game plan to dismiss opposition batsmen is not done by whispering the strategy into a bowler's ear. Instead, a couple of players get into a brief huddle with the bowler, discuss ideas with swift nimble gestures, and convey the same across the field, in their own undecipherable secret code! It is followed by a fine spell of fast bowling, all implemented according to the premeditated plan!
Several such riveting contests can be witnessed at the ongoing 2nd National T20 Deaf Premier League (DPL), organised by Chittoor District Association of the Deaf (CDAD), at local Thummalagunta grounds. The tournament, which commenced here on Friday morning, will be held for a period of three days, with 16 teams from various States across the country battling for the title. Despite their hearing and speech impairment, cricketers showcased that an unflinching love for cricket and conviction/strength to pursue a dream can transform an ordinary person into a fine sportsperson.
While it has been a matter of passion for the players, K. Raju, a translator and transport advisor with the teams, has a different story to relate.
He is the only one, among the group of 250 players, who can communicate effectively with the outside world.
“I had learnt sign language to communicate with my friend, who is a cricketer with hearing and speech impairment. This special talent of mine had enabled me to travel with the cricketers and function as a bridge between them and other people, translating their gestures into speech,” he said.
Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Raju said he had made it a regular job to travel with the teams for their tournaments and perform his duties, which includes interacting with the local organisers and others. He expressed his wish to become a full-time member in order to assist the cricketers in future too.
Lack of sponsors
Meanwhile, lack of proper support from sponsors/ donors has disheartened the special cricketers, who had to contend themselves with makeshift arrangements at a government school for accommodation and with only two bathrooms for their everyday needs.
However, the first T20 DPL tournament held in Mumbai sometime last year witnessed great support. Expressing their gratitude for conduct of the tournament, the cricketers evinced more support to pursue their sporting ambitions. CDAD President Manoj Kumar expressed thanks to Chandragiri MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy for offering the cricket ground, free of cost. The tournament is scheduled to conclude on Sunday.
