Cricket’s short avatar, Twenty20, has opened doors of opportunities for number of young players all over the country. From the Indian Cricket League to the Indian Premier League, every youngster is getting a chance to show their cricketing skills.
Now, T10 too is providing a similar platform to talented youngsters.
T10 Gully Cricket will be played in its second edition from August 15 all over India. The most interesting aspect of the tournament is that it provides opportunity to young cricketers from tier 2 cities as well. These cricketers otherwise suffer because of lack of exposure.
“This is the best platform for the budding cricketers in small cities as they will get a chance to explore their cricketing skills,” remarked former India cricketer Sandeep Patil, who is one of the jurists in the four member panel comprising Madan Lal, Saba Karim and Charu Sharma.
Surat’s Nilesh Patel, who was invited by Mumbai Indians for selection trials, says “It feels great when people recognize you. I have been playing ten overs gully cricket since I was a kid and this was the best chance for me to perform and make a name for me. I am a farmer and I would like to play for India one day,” said the 22-year-old, whose team won the championship last year.
Kanpur’s Manvendra Singh, a middle-order batsman, feels the T10 gully cricket is for fun. “I enjoy playing this. I play various tournaments in our district. I have not received any technical training in cricket. I have been to selection trials for the state team but have been unlucky not to make it to the side,” said Singh, who is doing BA final year from Gautam Buddha College.
However, Malegaon’s Iqbal Ansari, who works in a power loom, is not playing for money but for his love for the game. “We don’t have a proper cricket ground in Malegaon so we go out of the district and play matches with leather or tennis ball. Money is not that great but that is not a priority for me. I play for the love of the game,” said Iqbal.
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