Samaritans fund deaf cricketer's World Cup dream

03.02.2016, Vadodara: From the city's under-privileged to the elite, residents of the Sanskarinagri have come together to help a deaf and mute cricketer realize his dream of playing in the Deaf Cricket World Cup. Imran Sheikh, who runs a roadside snacks stall on the Old Padra Road for a living, had been running from pillar to post for last two days to raise Rs 1.20 lakh for sponsoring his participation in the World Cup to be played in Dubai in March. On Tuesday, help poured in for Imran, who is also one of the brand ambassadors of Vadodara Marathon.

The Navrachana Education Society (NES), Neha Patel of Vibrant Sports Development Association, Sujal Charitable Trust and Gujarat Chhatra Sansad chipped in Rs 25,000 each to fund Imran's dream. And the roadside hawkers on Old Padra Road too did their bit by raising money for the all-rounder who captained Indian Deaf and Mute Cricket team in Asia Cup last year.

"I thought I wouldn't be able to participate in the world cup as I didn't have much money. But thanks to the donors, I will now don India colours. I am touched by their gesture," said Imran, 30, who is among the three from Gujarat selected for Indian team. A talented all-rounder, he started a moong kachori stall last year as playing cricket wasn't enough to make ends meet. "The roadside hawkers have promised to raise Rs 25,000 and we hope to get help from some other Samaritans," Imran's wife Roza said.

Tejal Amin, chairperson of Vadodara Marathon and NES said, "Imran was recently appointed as coach at Navrachana Sports Academy so that he earns regular income and also made brand ambassador of Vadodara Marathon as we have always believed in supporting the talent. We wish him luck for the tour."