August 26, 2008	Tuesday	Sha’aban 23, 1429

KARACHI, Aug 25: The Pakistan Disabled Cricket Association (PDCA) said on Monday it hoped its first-ever national league would pave the way for more world recognition as they eye a tour to neighbouring India.

The PDCA has just staged the first eight-team National League, which the combined Rawalpindi/Islamabad side won after beating Multan by two wickets in a thrilling last-ball finish in the final here on Sunday night.

“We think it’s a huge leap for us, and the first-ever league would help us form a strong Pakistan disabled team and [make] our dreams of touring India next year come true,” said Saleem Karim, the association’s president.

Teams from Karachi, Peshawar, Lahore, Faisalabad, Hyderabad and Quetta also took part in the week-long competition.

Pakistan batsman Younis Khan said he was amazed at the enthusiasm of the disabled cricketers.

“I am amazed at their courage and passion,” said Younis. “I was behind forming the Peshawar team, and when we announced trials we thought some 10 to 20 players would come, but there were over 100 players in the trials.”

Younis said the International Cricket Council (ICC) should support disabled cricket.

“It is eye-catching to see a player with just one hand hitting sixes, and that was on display during the league,” he said. “I think ICC must support this type of cricket and give encouragement by arranging series for them.”

The PDCA, formed in 2002, is self-financed and refuses charity.

In Sunday’s final, Multan made 109 for eight in their 20 overs before Hasnain Alam hit 61 to help Rawalpindi/Islamabad win.

Summarised scores:

MULTAN 109-8 in 20 overs (Jahanzeb Tiwani 26; Zulfiqar Ali 2-16, Hasnain Alam 2-19, Raja Furqan 2-30); RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD 110-8 in 20 overs (Hasnain Alam 61; Naseem Qadri 4-17, Marghoob Alam 2-14).—AFP