Hope no deaf cricketer has to face hardships like me: Imran Shaikh

27.06.2017
HIGHLIGHTS

• Indian deaf cricket team created history by winning its first ever Asia Cup title earlier this year
• Imran's dreams of opening a coaching centre for deaf and speech impaired cricketers have come true
• The academy was inaugurated by Imran's seven-year old daughter Rashika

Imran's academy for deaf and speech impaired cricketers is fully operational now

In an interview with Ahmedabad Times just after the Indian deaf cricket teamcreated history by winning its first ever Asia Cup title earlier this year (AT had carried this interview on April 1, 2017), Imran Shaikh, the captain of that team, had told us, "Opening a coaching centre for deaf and speech impaired cricketers is one of my biggest dreams. In fact, a city school is willing to let me use their ground for free but I will need more support."

Finally, Imran's dreams have indeed come true, thanks to the support he has received from the Vadodara based Iira International School. Recently, the academy was inaugurated by Imran's seven-year old daughter Rashika and the joy on Imran's face was simply priceless.

Talking about it, the 32-year-old hearing and speech impaired Barodian allrounder tells us in sign language, "It was Tushar Patel's idea (managing director of the school) to have it inaugurated by my daughter and this is one of the happiest days of my life. While growing up, I was really disheartened when a lot of normal kids would refuse to play with me. Once I started playing for the Indian deaf team, I felt that I should do my bit to ensure that no other deaf cricketer has to face hardships like me. I am really thankful to Tushar Patel and Sheena Mohan (codirector of the school) for believing in my dreams and offering me their school ground. Besides, they are even going to sponsor my daughter's education throughout her school life. A lot of deaf and speech impaired kids have already started coming to the academy and the school has said that it will even try to send normal kids here. I feel extremely excited about this new beginning. In fact, this is the first-of-its-kind academy not just in Gujarat, but entire India. I will teach the deaf cricketers for free."

What's your biggest dream as far as this academy is concerned?

I hope that in the long run, a few players from my academy go on to represent India.

Once that happens, it will probably be the proudest day of my life! In other countries, such cricketers get a lot of support from their respective cricket boards and the authorities. I hope that we get to see that soon in India as well.

And what happens to your food stall outside Sayajibaug, where you sell healthy breakfast?

Roza (his wife) will continue to run it every morning, since I will be busy at the academy. Paise toh kamane padenge! But at night, I will try and help her as much as I can with the preparations for the next day. Initially, things may not be smooth but I believe that eventually, we will be able to manage everything well. I am very happy that Rashika has started going to school (she is in Class I). While she suffers from flat feet and has a bit of trouble while walking, we are hopeful that she will be fine soon.