Manu Singh’s Great Heart for ICC Deaf T20 World Cup in India

By Paul McKenzie 

Great cricket Ambassador and philanthropist, Manu Singh, loved by many fans across Australia with cricket, has been part of the brainstorm behind the recent successful the first ever, ICC Deaf T20 World Cup in India. Spending some time in India during 2018, on a number of charity causes and journeys, Manu wanted to do something for the community with charity and specially for the cricket community. Manu certainly has made a difference with the cricket community, with the Deaf Cricket Society, bring together the recent successful ICC Deaf T20 World Cup in India, during November 2018.

Speaking of pride and passion for his work in cricket, community and charity, Manu said, “This event provides immense amount of confidence and opportunity, inclusion and pathway for Deaf cricketers to represent their country on the global stage.” “Gone of the days being excluded and long isolated days spent with the hearing cricket communities when there is no level playing field on and off the pitch, in particular with tactics, technical aspects. The ICC Deaf T20 World Cup in India has transformed this for the Deaf Cricket Society, now on the world stage, representing their nations, with pride, honour and a sense of belong with the cricket community. Coaching, building personal relationships with fellow cricketers, performances on the field and so on.

Manu helped them personally in many aspects, with support staff, helped them with their bowling and batting techniques. Manu also explained to them the key factor of Indian cricket fields and explains them how important game of cricket depend on psychological tactics. Importantly also, Manu also motivate them physiologically.

Helping the Aussie Deaf T20 Team, Manu shared some experiences about subcontinent conditions and how they can win games and put pressure on the opposition. Moreover, Manu stated, “We had the company of legendary cricketers Bishan Singh Bedi and Brett Lee during the final ceremony which was a massive impact on all the players.” “We also like to thank Cricket Australia and great appreciated their instrumental efforts bringing this great tournament together”.

The ICC Deaf T20 World Cup in India saw over 200 players come together, representing eight nations, England, Australia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan South Africa and host nation India. Deaf Cricket Society General Secretary, Sumit Jain, talking about India being host nation, “Cricket is still one of the most popular sports played and watched in india. In 2017 alone, the sport enjoyed 717 million TV viewers”. “Today we are confident that disability sport such as cricket will gain momentum and support by this world class tournament being held in India”.

The first ever ICC Deaf T20 World Cup final being between host nation India and Sri Lanka, with Sri Lanka winning the cup final by 36 runs, after batting first, 145 runs, in a 20 over innings. India in the second inning bowled out for 109 runs, in 17.5 overs. This victory will go down in history as a world-class victory that Sri Lanka managed to achieve after the victories of the Cricket world cup in 1996 and the T20 World Cup in 2014.