LAHORE - The 1st Twenty20 Deaf Asia Cup 2015 will stroll into action here tomorrow (Sunday) with three foreign teams India, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan along with hosts Pakistan take part in it.
The event is being organised by the Pakistan Deaf Cricket Association (PDCA). The colorful ceremony of the mega event will held at the Sabzazar cricket ground where opening match will played between hosts Pakistan and one of the emerging cricket nations Afghanistan.
Speaking at the press conference held here at PDCA office on Friday, association president Abdul Salam said that the foreign teams had started reaching the city. “All the arrangements have been completed to provide foolproof security to the visiting teams.”
Abdul Salam said it was his promise to revive international sports in Pakistan and the 1st T20 Deaf Asia Cup was the first step towards it. “We are committed to bring more teams to Pakistan to provide opportunities to the sports loving nation to witness international activity at their home soil.”
“We have invited six teams for Asia Cup but only three agreed to come while Bangladesh and Nepal deaf cricket teams refused due to their personal problems. We want to stage more international events in the country but for this, we need active support of government, cricket board, sponsors and other multi-nationals.”
Pakistan deaf team manager Zaheeruddin Babar termed the hosting of Asia Cup as a first drop towards revival of international sports in the country and said: “Our deaf team has prepared well for this prestigious event and all the players are in good shape and eager to win title for the country and earn good name for it across the globe,” the manager added.
Pakistan deaf team head coach Nadeem Zafar Gondal and coach Umar Fayyaz said that they had selected the 15-member national deaf cricket team after a thorough process as first they held trials nationwide and then picked best 15 among them. “I hope our team will live up to the nation’s expectations and give them good news by winning the Asia Cup trophy.”
PDCA secretary Irfan Miraj thanked PCB officials Intikhab Alam and Shafiq Papa for their sincere support for the deaf cricketers. “Without the active support of the cricket board, it was not possible for them to host such a big event and provide the deaf players an opportunity to exhibit their prowess against foreign players and teams. “I request federal and provincial governments as well as corporate sector to come forward and provide deaf cricketers financial help so that they may continue winning laurels for the country.”
The final of the T20 Asia Cup will be played on April 26 which will be graced by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Shaharyar M Khan as chief guest.