Now,AIDS awareness through cricket

The concept of condom cricket is that ‘YOU’ and ‘ME’,ie citizens,represented by the batsman remain at the crease protecting ‘HEALTH’,represented by the wicket. ‘HIV’ is represented by the bowler, and the ‘CONDOM’ represents the bat.Every team has a maximum of five bowlers,and the rest of the fielding side wears vests with names of opportunistic infections printed in bold letters on them like pneumonia,diarrhea,herpes,skin infections,tuberculosis.

The wicket keeper,signifying tuberculosis is the leading opportunistic infection in the context of HIV. The batsmen get out if they are caught behind by tuberculosis,or by pneumonia in the slips,or run out by herpes fielding at extra cover. The winning team is awarded the Disha Condom Cricket Challenge Trophy.

“Cricket encourages people to join the campaign. Some people have bunked work or college to be here today. Throughout the year we campaign for aids awareness through power point presentations,street plays,seminars etc.”says Avinash Chakranarayan,the umpire for the match.

“Cricket is something people can enjoy and the whole concept of safe sex sinks in better this way. I’m also asked questions by the team members which I am happy to answer.”

Aditya Singh,member of the Ullasnagar Cricket Club,says,”We like the concept too. We love to play cricket but it’s even better if there is a cause attached to it. Even actors and other artists perform and organise entertainment functions to create an awareness for Aids. It is a great way to get the attention of people,which is the first step,to educate them on the subject in a light and fun way.”

“We get a reality check of the rapid spread of HIV in the city. Everyone must know how to protect themselves from it . This condom cricket is a fantastic way to create this awareness in the minds of the youth.” shares Raju Hammure,,a member of the Maharashtra Cricket Club.