DEFYING odds this physically challenged cricket diehard from Hazratbal area is cynosure of all when it comes to playing in the field on one leg.
 People from around Hazratbal area and around throng the venue at Kashmir University ground here  to see Shabir Ahmad Bhat play with the bat and that too on the crutch.
 Shabir is called ‘Lara’ by the locals for his madness for the cricket.
 On Saturday spectators witnessed Lara marshalling his Young Cricket Club (YCC) Hazratabal team against the Bandipora side.
 When the actual game began it was Shabir who outclassed his team-mates on the field by fielding exceptionally well throwing his body on line to stop ball that come on his way while fielding.
 His team-mates misfielded on several occasions but Lara fielding with the support of crutch never did that, even didn’t hesitated in diving for the ball, throwing crutch away.
 “He is exception and deserves every praise. I am awestruck with his commitment, will power and enthusiasm towards the game. He even outclassed his teammates in the team with his skills,” said Kashmir University cricket coach Amjid Qadir.
 He said that it was Shabir who approached him to allow his team to participate in the event.
 “It was Shabir who approached us to register his team for the event. He came again and again and we were left with no other option than to let his team play in the event. He is the captain of the team and I can say it without hesitation even best player among his side,” Amjid added.
 For batting Shabir come at number seven when required rate for his side was high and was left with no other option then to slog. He stayed at the crease for around two overs making just one run but did not used runner instead prefer himself to run between the wickets.
 “I have come especially for this match and to see ‘Lara’ playing. I come to know about his through KU officials and though there must not be better cricketing seen then this around. He is an amazing person both skill and enthusiasm wise.” said well known cricketer of Valley Sunny Bazaz.
 “After watching him on the field for all the allotted overs I was expecting him to use runner during the batting. However I think run would not have run faster than him. We should encourage him as much as we can” he said.
 It is not first time that Shabir has played among the normal cricketers. He has been involved with cricket from the childhood and has played matches all over Valley.
 Talking to Greater Kashmir after his team lost match in a disappointed tone he said, “I suffered accident at the age of around two years and doctors had to amputate my leg. Since then I am living my life only on one leg but never allowed it to be my weakness. Instead I worked hard and today I can proudly say that I am not inferior to anyone on the field.”
 “My neighbours, friends have always supported me and whenever I approach them for the match they readily keep their daily engagements at hold and come with me. I am the skipper of the team with that you can yourself say how much support and respect I am getting” he said.
 About his team loosing the match he said, “I should have batted up the order. Our team needed the batsman who could have rotated strike and I think that role suite me. At the end I had no option than to strike ball hard in which I failed but still we played good cricket.”
 “I have played cricket all over Valley and will continue to do that. It gives me motivation and refresh my soul” he added.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 7 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 7 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 8 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST