Pulwama, Dec 07: For the first time-ever, a physically-challenged cricketer from Kashmir Valley has secured a berth in the 16-member squad of Physically Disabled Indian Cricket Team (PDIC) for the upcoming Physically Challenged Cricketers’ World Cup.
Ayaz Ahmad Ganaie, 24, a resident of Kshroy Kalan in Bijbhera are of Anantnag district has been selected in the 16-member squad of PDIC for the upcoming Physically Challenged Cricketers’ World Cup to be played in February 2019, in India.
Talking to ‘Kashmir Images’, Ganaie, who is physically-challenged since birth as his left leg is shorter than his right, says that he had to face many hardships to reach this level of his cricket career.
“I had to struggle for nearly three years at the national level to finally make it to the 16-member squad of PDIC. Three years back, one thousand disabled cricketers were picked up by Board of Disabled Cricket Association for trails and among them top performers, including me, were selected for playing at different national levels,” says Ganaie.
“I played at different national levels during three year training course and was finally selected in 16 member squad for 50-over format Physically Challenged Cricketers’ World Cup,” he adds.
Having a penchant for cricket since his childhood days, Ganaie says he has all along played cricket with his friends. “I have never let my disability to hold me back from achieving my dreams,” he says.
Ganaie, youngest among three siblings, is a father of three-year-old son. He used to sell cricket bats before joining PDIC. “I will try my best to perform well at the international level.”
“Ayaz Ganaie has for sure made our village as well as state proud,” says Sharif Hussain, one of his neighbors.
