IPL 2021: DCCI officials thrilled to be part of inaugural ceremony in Chennai

BCCI secretary Jay Shah. File pic

Officals of the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) are thrilled to be a part of the inaugural ceremony of IPL-14, prior to the Mumbai Indians v Royal Challengers Bangalore opening fixture in Chennai today.

DCCI president Mahantesh GK, who has already reached Chennai along with DCCI secretary Ravi Chauhan, vice president Sumit Jain, joint secretary squadron leader Abhai Pratap Singh and treasurer John David, reckoned the development is a major step towards their dream of seeking affiliation to the Indian cricket board.

"I was pleasantly surprised to receive the invitation from BCCI secretary Jay Shah's office. We have been seeking and dreaming of this endorsement from the BCCI for a long time, and now, under Shah's leadership, I feel it will happen. Hopefully, the BCCI will take some positive decision during the upcoming Annual General Meeting and start patronising differently abled cricketers officially," Mahantesh told mid-day from Chennai on Thursday.

DCCI's affiliation is on the agenda at BCCI's Apex Council meeting on April 16. "Though only five DCCI members will be attending the IPL's opening ceremony on Friday, in reality, thousands of differently abled cricketers will feel proud about this development. We are grateful to Mr Shah for giving our cricketers this dignity and equality," said Chauhan.