Wheelchair cricket is an inspiring version of traditional cricket, specially adapted for people with physical disabilities. It was created to make cricket more inclusive, showcasing the spirit of determination and love for the sport. It allows athletes to display their skills and challenge societal views on disability.
_”Concentrate on the abilities your disability doesn’t hinder and don’t dwell on the things it interferes with. Be disabled physically, not in spirit.”_ — Stephen Hawking
The Neuroaid & Research Foundation (Neuroaid) is proud to serve as the official physical therapy service provider for Season 5 of the Indian Wheelchair Cricket Premier League, under the Divyang Cricket Control Board of India.
The Growth of Wheelchair Cricket
In cricket-loving countries like India, wheelchair cricket has gained significant popularity. It’s now played competitively at national and international levels, with various organisations promoting it. A major step was the creation of the Divyang Cricket Control Board of India, which organizes wheelchair cricket nationwide. Neuroaid is honoured to be associated with this effort.
Tournament Highlights
The league kicked off on June 19, 2024, with the first match between Delhi and Haryana, followed by four matches leading up to the semifinals. Tournament officials, including Mr. Manoj Sinha and the Divyang Cricket Control Board members, praised Neuroaid for their dedication and professionalism in providing player care.
Media Coverage and Live Broadcast
The tournament was covered by major news outlets like Hindustan Live and Nav Bharat Times, with live broadcasts available online at:
– [CricHeroes](https://cricheroes.in/tournament/1052935/INDIAN-WHEELCHAIR-PREMIER-LEAGUE-5)
– [YouTube Live](https://www.youtube.com/live/5_RzUUO2LH4?si=ii3ePbcPyI-r7K2e)
Physiotherapy and Player Support
As sports physiotherapists for para-athletes, our focus was on helping players overcome their limitations. We provided personalized treatment plans, warm-up and cool-down sessions, and on-field care for minor injuries. Our approach included taping, stretching, and ice treatment as needed.
Preventive warm-up sessions targeted the shoulder and trunk muscles, which are prone to strain. Players with spinal injuries faced unique challenges, such as difficulty controlling body temperature, and making precautions against heatstroke essential.
We noticed many players experienced chronic low back pain due to prolonged wheelchair use, and we recommended upper back strengthening exercises and body weight shifting practices. Dehydration and heatstroke risks were managed with regular hydration using ORS and electrolytes.
The Grand Finale
The final match between Uttarakhand and Mumbai was particularly challenging. Both teams were exhausted from continuous play over the previous days, but stayed motivated. Our physiotherapy team worked hard to provide stretching sessions, apply supporting tapes, and keep players hydrated. Ultimately, Uttarakhand emerged victorious.
Rules and Adaptations
Wheelchair cricket retains the core elements of traditional cricket with some modifications:
- Field: Played on a standard field with adjusted pitch dimensions.
- Players: Teams consist of players with various physical disabilities, using manual wheelchairs.
- Bowling: Players bowl underarm or overarm from their wheelchair.
- Batting: The batsman hits the ball while seated, managing both the bat and wheelchair.
- Running: Players move their wheelchairs to cover a specified distance instead of running.
- Fielding: Fielders use their chairs to move quickly, catching and throwing from a seated position.
The Spirit of Wheelchair Cricket
Wheelchair cricket is more than just a game; it’s a testament to the players’ resilience. It challenges perceptions and demonstrates that physical limitations don’t have to be barriers. The sport’s growth will continue as more support comes from governments, sports bodies, sponsors, and the media, showcasing the transformative power of sports.
Looking Ahead
The Indian Wheelchair Premier League, Season 7, featured special guests, including Vinod Thakur, the ‘Legless Dancer of India,’ and gold-medalist para-athletes. The event was a great experience for our team, and we look forward to many more.
Deepak Sharma, captain of the MP team and a national gold medalist in pro panja league and para fencing, was among the inspiring players who participated.