Though cricket is followed like a religion in India, no many know about the existence of another version of the game called leg cricket. Played in just four countries of the sub-continent (India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan) and in just 11 states of the country, it is in many ways similar to cricket, the main difference being in the use of leg instead of bat for scoring runs. The ball too is big (a football size) unlike the cricket ball. It is played on a circular ground with a radius between 80 and 120 feet. The pitch is 8-feet wide and 42-48 feet long, depending on age-group or category of the players.
Despite the game seeking recognition in the country, there are many who are passionate about it and one such youngster is Chandan Ray, an 18-year-old boy from Bargarh district of Orissa, who has been doing his bit to make this game popular in the country. Having led the India U-19 side in the first Indo-Nepal Leg Cricket Series held at Kathmandu in 2013, Chandan says that the sport requires encouragement by various sports bodies, including the Indian Olympic Association and needs recognition from the ministry of sports. Excerpts from the interview:
When did you start playing leg cricket?
Ans: It was in 2013, when I had just appeared for my Class 10 examinations and was waiting for the results when few of my friends as well as the physical education (PE) teacher in my school told me to try this game. So, I started playing it and gradually started getting better at it. I developed a passion for the game and became a more confident player with every passing day. I also started getting compliments for my performances and that further fuelled my interest in the game.
Why did you opt for this sport?
Ans: It is an action-filled sport and affordable. Leg cricket is young and exciting sports. In 2013, I wanted to make a career in sports and at that moment I came to know about this game I tried my hands on it. I started performing better and better. I love to accept challenges and being a player of lesser sports it quite difficult to survive. I want to make leg cricket as popular as others sports like cricket, badminton and all.
This sports isn’t popular. Could you please tell us how and where is it played?
Ans: The sport is played only in the sub-continent (Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, apart from India) as of now. It is played on a circular ground with a radius between 80 and 120 feet. The pitch is 8-feet wide and 42-48 feet long, depending on age-group or category of the players. It is played between two teams, each with 11 players. When one side is legging the other will be fielding. The bowler rolls down the football-sized ball using under-arm action and the legsman needs to hit the ball to score single, double, triple runs by running across the pitch or score a four or a six by kicking the ball out of the boundary line as in cricket. A legsman is declared out if he or she touches the ball twice or kicks with the wrong leg, caught, run out or hit wicket as in cricket. He has to tell the umpire in advance as to which leg he will be using to hit the ball. The team which scores more runs is declared the winner.
How is it different from cricket (in terms of basic rules and otherwise)?
Ans: Leg Cricket is similar to cricket in many ways but it is not cricket. Apart from the rules mentioned earlier, in cricket batsman use a bat but in leg cricket legsman use leg instead. In cricket there are field restrictions, but in leg cricket there is no field restriction. The size of ball in cricket and leg cricket is different. The size of pitch too is totally different.
What all achievements have you accomplished in this sport?
Ans: In my short career, as a team we have been champions in the First Indo Nepal T- 10 Leg Cricket Series. We were runners up at First South Asian Championship. Personally, I was nominated for the Khel Gaurav Award 2016 by LCFI, SSCAF and IROA.
What has been your best sporting moment so far?
Ans: It was the 2nd Senior National T-10 Leg Cricket Championship at Ambala, Haryana in May, 2013 and I was playing my debut match and I was pretty much nervous. Chasing a total of 113 runs, Team Odisha openers failed to perform and I was sent to the ground at No. 3 at that time. I looked at the scoreboard and we had to chase 73 runs in 5 overs. We had already lost two wickets. I was just instructed to hit and by circumstances I got the license to thrill. I took my team to victory in just 3 overs, as I scored a half century on my debut in just 15 balls and finished with a score of 53. Rest of the runs was scored by my partner. For this stormy performance and a brilliant knock I was chosen directly in Team India U-19 side. Because of my stellar performance, I was straightaway chosen as captain for the first Indo-Nepal Leg Cricket Series held at Kathmandu in 2013. It was most memorable moment of my life.
What are the problems being faced by players like you?
Ans: Every game has its challenges. But what is positive is that a lot of youngsters seem to be interested in the game. But it’s a long way before we see any result. The basic problems players like me faces is not getting the proper facilities. We don’t get any sponsors. People are unaware of this game. We don’t get any support from the government or the private organisations.
Does the Ministry of Sports recognize this sport and does it get the government grant?
Ans: No it’s not and till the time it does not get recognized by the government, it’s not going to grow.
How do you think can this sport be uplifted in India?
Ans: The sport needs encouragement by various sports bodies, including the Indian Olympic Association, ministry of sports and Sports Authority of India. This game needs financial supports too. Like others, sports leg cricket is also facing the problems of sponsorship.
