Cricket is life for Ambey Parwatkar as he has pledged to keep on playing the sport till he breathes! The former Goa Ranji Trophy cricketer is ranked an impressive 12th in the Over-50 age-group players’ International Masters Rankings and thus is a huge inspiration for Goans to continue the engagement with the sport regardless of their age.
The Dubai-based Ambey revealed that the Over-50 cricket circuit is buzzing with a lot of competitiveness on account of ex-domestic cricketers turning out in big numbers.
“Over-50s Cricket has been in thick action. All ex-First Class cricketers, who could not make the international level, are making their presence felt. In the last 6 years, 3 editions of World Cup have been conducted,” stated UAE team-member Ambey, who keeps himself in shape by playing club leagues. He spends time on training and skill work is also the key, as he added: “I have been bowling Medley spin over the last 9 years with the existence of Twenty20 cricket. The 50-plus Cricket World Cup is, however, of 50 overs one-day cricket.”
Working for 30 years in UAE, has helped Ambey keep his dream alive. And this year’s Over-50 world championship, has brought global fame to the experienced Goan cricketing personality.
“I opened bowling with my Medley spin as I am considered to be effective with new-ball since the time I’ve been playing. Although, I played only 4 games due to a rib injury that occured during India game, I am placed at Rank 12 in the overall ratings,” said Ambey, who bowled at an exceptional Economy Rate of 2.12 and claimed 10 wickets in 4 games against opposition, which included top-ranked batsmen.
Cricket has boosted the health goal in general for Ambey and he credited his wife for keeping him in the zone.
“My wife Veena is continuosly motivating me to stay fit. As I am a big-time foody and have been eating outside food (non-home food) all time, my health was affected badly. But, Cricket has helped me live. I had stoped playing in between and my health got worse, it’s at that time, we decided that I wiIl keep playing till I breathe,” emphasised Ambey.
