Afghan kids gain from Shyam Bhatia's Cricket for Care

Updated on: 02 March,2010 08:56 AM IST |
A Correspondent |

A few days after donating a significant number of kits to kids in Afghanistan, Dubai-based businessman Shyam Bhatia got the news about the troubled Asian country qualifying for the World Twenty20 to be held in the Caribbean in April and May.

"I am delighted with news of their qualification. It shows they are capable of good things," said Bhatia, proud of his Cricket for Care programme.

Afghanistan defeated hosts United Arab Emirates by four wickets earlier this month to reach their first major
tournament.

The Afghans restricted UAE to 100-9 in their 20 overs before reaching their target in 19.3 overs. Opener Noor Ali top-scored with an unbeaten 38. Dubai-based Bhatia recently presented kits to Zimbabwe kids. Asked whether the political state of Zimbabwe had affected cricket development, he said: "From what I saw, there is a lot of cricketing activity taking place there. I don't see a problem." Earlier, Bhatia also donated kits to South African children.

South Africa's Roelof van der Merwe, who will represent Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League has been at the receiving end of Bhatia's cricket passion. He organised for Van der Merwe to attend a coaching clinic in Mohali which would give him a good feel of Indian conditions. "When I caught up with Roelof recently, he gave me his South Africa andu00a0 Royal Challengers Bangalore shirt," said Bhatia.