“We are making efforts to provide an official platform to the poor sections of society, people who nurse a desire to play cricket in remote areas and tehsils but can’t get anywhere near the mainstream because of the high costs involved and the lack of opportunities. This is a federation of the aam aadmi (common man) and what we’re doing is not in conflict with the BCCI,” says Piyush Rana, founder and secretary general of the association.

“Our federation is on similar lines as the School Games Federation of India. The fact that we are able to sustain ourselves for eight years and going strong says as much about our popularity.”Interestingly, Piyush was also a consultant with the Indian Cricket League.

The BCCI had reacted sharply to the formation of the ITCF back when they had started off and has since ignored them. They have, however, gone from strength to strength, managing to generate funds and filling up the stadiums. The federation has a simple membership policy of Rs 600 per annum, and uses the interest accumulated, apart from local sponsorship, to conduct tournaments.

At present, they organise national and zonal tournaments in five categories — U-14, U-16, U-22, U-25 and seniors. Their tournaments are named after famous Indian freedom fighters and are organised on grounds owned by state governments.

Besides the regular state units, the ITCF also includes Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Uttranchal and Chattisgarh under its umbrella — all associates and affiliate members of the BCCI. They have plans, Rana says, to tap into the North East as well.

... contd.