In a first, BCCI invites representatives of differently-abled cricket for IPL opening match

MUMBAI: For the first time ever, the BCCI has invited representatives from the differently-abled governing council members for this year's IPL opening match on Friday.
The invitation was extended by BCCI secretary Jay Shah to the office-bearers of the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) to come and be part of the IPL opening match, to be held in Chennai on Friday. This is for the first time that members of the DCCI will be a part of any BCCI event.
Expressing his gratitude and thanking Shah for the gesture, DCCI president Dr Mahantesh GK said: "We are very thankful to Jay Shah for inviting us to attend the opening ceremony of the biggest T20 tournament in the world.From the very beginning, he has been very encouraging and has been promoting differently abled cricket in the country."
Ravi Chauhan, Secretary of DCCI, said that he considered this gesture as a mark of respect and appreciation for thousands of differently abled cricket players of the country. "Though five members of the DCCI will be attending the opening ceremony in Chennai, in reality, thousands of cricketers of the PWD community shall feel proud. We are just the faces, but this invitation is actually for each and every differently abled cricketer, and for this we will be always grateful to Shah for keeping his promise of giving dignity and equality to our cricket."
After years of struggle, it finally seems that the time for differently-abled cricket has come. Dr Mahantesh GK, President, Sumit Jain, Vice President, Ravi Chauhan, Gen Secy , Sqn Ldr Abhai Pratap Singh Retd., Jt Secy and John David, treasurer, DCCI will attend the IPL opening ceremony, representing various forms of differently abled cricket.