'Indian blind cricket team needs recognition from BCCI, KSCA'

MYSURU: The Indian blind cricket team needs recognition from Board Control Cricket of India (BCCI), stated Prakash Jayaramaiah, vice-captain of the team, following the 'Inner Wheen Drusti Cup' for the visually challenged, held at KG Koppal ground here on Sunday.
The tri-series cricket tournament, organized by Inner Wheel Club Mysuru, saw Pampa team register a seven-wicket victory over Ponna to emerge as champions.
Speaking to TOI after inaugurating the tournament, Jayaramaiah said, "The blind cricket team need more encouragement, and more importantly, recognition from BCCI and KSCA. Apart from this, those who represent India and keep performing consistently should be given government jobs. This will encourage more visually challenged people to perform better."
He said currently, they have to use their own money to attend various tournaments, even if they represent a state or country. He thanked Inner Wheel Club for their assurance of organizing a state-level blind cricket tournament next year.
For Sunday's tournament, players were divided into three teams, which were named after poets Ranna, Ponna and Pampa. In the 10-over-a-side tournament final, Ponna scored 108 runs for four wickets, riding on Anup Shetty's 72. Anup scored nine boundaries and two sixes, while for Pampa, Pradeep bowled claimed three wickets.
In reply, Pampa reached the target in 8.4 overs, losing just two wickets. HM Pratap top-scored with 28 runs, while Pradeep and Yogesh chipped in 22 and 20 runs respectively.
Anup's all-round performance won him man of the series award, while MS Suresh of Ponna team and Hemant h of Ranna team won the best bowler and best batsman award, respectively.