Cheering for life and cricket

The match was organised by the Network of People Living With HIV/AIDS Society (NPLHAS) supported by UNICEF and Madhya Pradesh State Aids Control Society. ''No doubt forums and seminars on December 1 are informative and spread awareness. But a cricket match was a brilliant idea,’’ State Minister for Health Mahendra Hardia said. "It sends an instant message to society that HIV positive persons can play a game of cricket with as much energy and enthusiasm as any other person. People generally have the wrong idea about HIV positive and people living with AIDS, cricket match is to defy that theory.

"I am playing this match so discrimination against those infected by the virus and help spread message that playing a game of cricket, sharing a meal or shaking hands with them don’t spread the virus,'' he added.

Speaking at the start of the match, Manohar Agnani Project Director Madhya Pradesh State AIDS Control Society that activities like this help in spreading right information within people and add to existing efforts of spreading awareness on HIV/AIDS. "On AIDS Day, we chose cricket seeing the popularity of the game. Our aim through this cricket match was to spread awareness in society, as well as strengthen the infected victims with renewed courage to fight HIV and live a regular life,'' president of NPLHAS Manoj Verma explained. The match ended in a tie as both the teams scored equal runs. Trophies were given for the best bowler, best batsmen and man of the match.