ISLAMABAD - International Cricket Council for Physically Challenged (ICCPC) chairman Raja Imran has said that Sri Lanka will host the 1st Asia Cup for Physically Challenged current year.
Talking to The Nation, Imran, who returned home after attending the ICCPC meeting in Sri Lanka and was attended by 10 member countries, said: “We have planned to hold the 1st Asia Cup as well as World Cup for Physically Challenged in Sri Lanka this year and if in case lack of sponsorship or any other reason come in our way, then at least we will certainly hold Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. We will do whatever we can to make that inaugural event a huge success. It is about the future of physically challenged players, who have a platform, where they can showcase their skills and earn bread and butter for their families respectably, not by begging.”
About his tour to Sri Lanka, he said: “I was invited to Sri Lanka where all my expenses were borne by them and I was given tremendous respect. I met with different Sri Lankan Board (SLC) dignitaries and couldn’t forget the respect and love rendered to me by the Sri Lankan Physically Challenged Cricket Association (SLPCCA). I also met with Sri Lankan Sports Minister Dayasir Jayasekar who was full of praise for our efforts and offered his all-out help for the ICCPC in conducting future events. They also promised to sponsor Pakistan handicapped team for the upcoming Asia Cup for Physically Challenged.”
The ICCPC chairman, who looks extremely satisfied and happy with the decisions and progress being made during the meeting in which 6 out of 10 member countries were present, while four members were taken on video cam, said: “We have also planned to conduct tri-nation wheelchair cricket tournament involving Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India in Sri Lanka this year may be in July or August. The most interesting to note is keen interest Europe has been taking in joining the ICCPC, which will bring all world under one roof and help physically challenged players of entire universe to utilise this platform and earn name and fame for themselves and their respective countries. The US is also planning to join the ICCPC.”
When asked about holding a super league for the physically challenged players, he said: “Yes, we are also planning a super league for physically challenged cricketers very soon. Paper work started in this regard and good news will surface in days to come.”
Announcing the national events Imran has planned for the players, he said: “I have also planned to conduct All-Pakistan Physically Challenged National Championship at Rawalpindi and Islamabad. It will help us select players for the upcoming mega international events. Soon after the national championship, we will announce open trials for the selection of national squad for Asia Cup. Merit will be given top priority while selection the team. A training camp will be established in Islamabad under top coaches’ supervision. I want to participate in Asia Cup with best possible and strong enough squad.”