Dera Chief Ram Rahim Claims Credit for T20 Cricket Format

Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim's recent online discourse has created controversy all over the state. Speaking from the sect's headquarters in Sirsa while on a 30-day parole from his life imprisonment, the controversial religious leader made several noteworthy claims that merit careful examination.

The Cricket Connection

Ram Rahim's most striking assertion involves the creation of T20 cricket format, which he claims to have initiated in 1990 at Jalalana Sahib stadium. According to him, the format initially faced criticism from cricketers who questioned its legitimacy as a proper form of cricket. While historical records attribute T20's official inception to the England and Wales Cricket Board in 2003.

Also Developed Snake Catcher Tool

Beyond cricket, the Dera chief also claimed credit for developing the snake catcher tool in 1994 as a response to cobra encounters during the construction of Shah Mastana Ji Dham. His narration suggests a practical solution to a safety concern, though he mentions declining suggestions to patent the invention, stating it wasn't intended for business purposes. 

Traditional Wisdom and Modern Practices

Ram Rahim also offered insights into historical food habits, discussing the consumption of millets and raw vegetables in ancient India. He provided an interesting, though historically debatable, account of Portuguese influence on Indian cooking methods, particularly regarding the introduction of stove-cooking practices. 

Digital Age Challenges

During his sermon, Ram Rahim also addressed contemporary issues, particularly digital fraud. He advised his followers about "digital arrests" - situations where people become victims of phone-based scams - encouraging them to maintain evidence and report such incidents to law enforcement.