Click to play videoKarachi: In the hustle and bustle of international cricket, it's sometimes easy to ignore the stories of courage and grit that emerge from the game. The disabled Pakistan cricket team has overcome the longest odds for the love of the game.
This is the only time he needs help. After padding up, young Kashiv Mohammed, fondly known as the Sachin Tendulkar of his team, is a picture of poise. In an unfortunate childhood accident, Kashiv lost a leg, but on the cricket field, he never loses balance. In fact, he can take quick singles, much like his hero.
"I used to admire Tendulkar. I wanted to execute my strokes just the way he does. I was inspired by his balance and I wanted to become like him. I wanted to play international cricket and score more than 15,000 runs just like him," says Kashiv.
Today nearly 40 youngsters with disabilities are competing for a place in the team, and a steely determination has made them achieve what most thought was impossible.
"We wanted to send the message that we are no less from the best. Despite being disabled, we compete against a normal team, which is a huge achievement," explains Syed Karim, the manager of this talented side.
It has been a life changing experience. Farhan was an enthusiastic young boy before he lost his leg in a train accident. A severe depression followed before he found his way to this ground.
These days he does amazing things, like fielding with one hand and even diving to catch the ball, just like an able bodied cricketer would. And like any other fast bowler, he has a big delivery stride. So what if he has to use his stick as a front leg to generate maximum pace.
"Cricket has changed my life completely. I feel grateful because of the game and I feel happy that I play cricket. My parents want me to keep going and achieve great success," Farhan says.
And after a good game of cricket they leave the ground with a song on their lips, with the promise to be back again to live their dreams.
Cricket is not just a game for this group. It's the core of their movement, its their identity. It gives them a reason to believe that they are as good as anyone else, and they can compete with anyone.
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