East Sports Management’s Cricket Academy (ESMCA) was only just launched yesterday but their promising youths can already look forward to developing their skills at India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin’s Gen-Next Cricket Academy as part of their exchange programme.
Twenty-four hours after being named the ICC Cricketer of the Year, Ashwin was back on the field, passing on his knowledge to 26 budding cricketers during a masterclass clinic at GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail, before officially opening the UAE’s latest cricket academy in Dubai.
Having mentored kids himself and seen them strive in India, Ashwin was impressed with ESMCA’s vision and wants to give the UAE stars of tomorrow a chance of playing against their peers in Chennai next year.
“I’m really excited about this as there are some boys who are exceptionally talented so hopefully I can see them next year in India,” said the 30-year-old, who finished top wicket-taker with 28 scalps in the 4-0 Test series victory against England.
“This is just the start. We want to make sure that matches are possible for them.
“This only helps a player become better. It also makes the character of a specific person. I’m 30 but cricket has taught me a lot, it has moulded my character and put me through a stern test.”
Ashwin was speaking during a press conference held at the Shyam Bhatia Cricket Museum.
Kobus Olivier, director of cricket at ESMCA, revealed small groups will be flown to India in 2017 and hopes to expand the partnership in the future.