Lucknow :
Idiosyncratic batsmen, charged audience, nail-biting run chases, unpredictable results— It’s all there at the Indian Grameen Premier League (IGPL), a rural cricket tournament being played barely 18km away on the outskirts of the city.
Now in its third season, the IGPL which was started in December 2013 has in fact gained so much popularity among the local lads that foreign-educated MBAs, young entrepreneurs and budding politicians are among those who have either formed or joined one of the 16 participating teams. Among the strong contenders are BKT Superkings, BKT Blues, Bhawani Tigers, Rukhara Royals, Young Fighters, Eleven Fighters, Abbasiya Cricket Club and Chhatamil Cricket Club. Many of the popular players in these teams are known not by their original names but by the names of international players they resemble in playing style or looks.
For example, Atul Mishra of BKT Superkings is called Dhoni because of his helicopter shot and wicket keeping. Ranjeet Singh of Bhawani Tigers is often compared with Australian all-rounder David Hussey and Hafir Zubaid from Mohanlalganj team is known as Hashim Amla beacause of his looks and batting style. Another player from Mohanlalganj was cheered as Kieron Pollard because of his physique and ability to hit long sixes without footwork.
Participating in IGPL for the first time, London-return Manvendra Singh, the captain of BKT Superkings says, “Even after pursuing a business management course from Great Britain, I couldn’t leave my passion for cricket and decided to form my team. My team is a good mixture of young blood and experienced players.”
On the other hand, the captain of defending champions Bhawani Tigers is a home guard in the fire department, Sanjeev Singh. “No matter which team is playing, my players know how to uproot the stumps of the opponents. Unlike other players, who tend to shift to other teams for better opportunity after the season ends, our teammates stick together and that’s why we rule,” says Singh.
The man behind the sporting league, Anurag Bhadauria, better known as ‘Bhaiyaji’ among youths in the area, says, “Being a local and a diehard cricket fan, I initially thought of an idea to utilize the energy of idle and unemployed youths into something from which they can benefit from and hope for opportunities.”
Giving the example of Amrendar Yadav, a 31-year-old youth who does commentary for IGPL matches, Anurag said, “Like many other village boys, Amrendar too was depressed because of unemployment and even attempted suicide. But this league has given him opportunity for employment.”
He added, “Sports have a lot of potential to change the nation. Take the example of Brazil. Over here, we don’t have lush green grass or proper kits to play, but still these boys are trying to find opportunities in their passion.”
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / Arvind Chauhan, TNN / October 09th, 2014