Disabled players chase world record in T20 marathon but empty stands raise eyebrows

Bhopal: Around 300 cricketers with disabilities from 8 states are battling through a gruelling 100-hour continuous T20 marathon at Police Line Ground, pushing physical and mental limits to claim a world record. But despite their grit, the spectators' gallery sits eerily empty, fuelling sharp frustration among participants.
The event, part of the National Disabled Cricket Sports Festival: Not Out @ 100, kicked off on Feb 23, with 25 teams vying for glory. Scheduled to conclude on Thursday, this non-stop spectacle showcases T20 format matches played back-to-back without respite, testing endurance in ways few cricket events do. One player, speaking on condition of anonymity amid exhaustion, vented: "We are trying something different, something extraordinary to inspire others, but it saddens us that people are not showing support. Empty stands make the effort feel lonelier."Teammates echoed the sentiment, pointing to the event's novelty—a continuous 100-hour format—as a possible reason for the tepid response. Social media buzz has been minimal, with organisers urging local fans to rally. Local authorities and cricket enthusiasts praised the initiative, with festival coordinators noting that the marathon not only seeks a Guinness World Record but also promotes inclusivity in sports. "These athletes are redefining limits," said a spokesperson, Raghvendra Sharma. "Their spirit deserves a full house," he added. For now, the real winners are the warriors on the field, battling more than just the scoreboard.