Youngsters at Kricket’s Spero will test themselves against Kerala’s best

Denzil Pinto 07:21 20/09/2015
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  • A wicket idea: The Kricket’s Spero academy.

    Youngsters at Kricket’s Spero academy will have the opportunity to showcase their talent in competitive matches in India as part of a new partnership with Kerala Cricket Association (KCA).

    The academy, which was launched on Friday night in Dubai by KCA president TC Mathew and head coach P Balachandran, will see the budding cricketers test themselves against some of Kerala’s best young talent on a regular basis, with the first visit planned to India in December.

    “We have held talks with the Kerala Cricket Association and one visit is planned for as early as December this year,” said CTK Mashood, director of Kricket’s Spero.

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    “We feel it’s very important for the stars of tomorrow to gain as much exposure on international soil and we are very grateful that the KCA is involved and giving an opportunity for children.

    “With the guidance and support of the KCA, it gives the children an opportunity to improve their skills and maybe play for their state level in India in the future.”

    As a former first-class cricketer in India himself, Mashood knows how difficult it is for youngsters to shine given the rising number of talented players in the cricket-mad country. 

    Ultimately, his aim is for his cricket academy students to get a feel of what to expect in the future from a young age. “In all of India, not just Kerala, the competition level of cricket is very tough,” he said. 

    “Even if you have talent from a young age, you have to work hard and develop those skills through the long run. To get noticed by coaches isn’t easy at all.

    “By giving the children a chance to play in tournaments and matches in Kerala, they can get an idea of what to expect, improve on the areas they need to and play against some of the best players in their age group.”

    He added: “The important thing is we want to ensure kids in the UAE are talented enough so they can take their love for the game to the next level in the future.”

    Mathew, who is also BCCI vice-president, said there are plenty of positives for the youngsters to gain from this partnership.

    “From what I understand, there are many concrete surfaces in the UAE and a lack of longer versions of the game,” he said.

    “We have more than 10 cricket grounds in Kerala where the children can play and practice. 

    “Our coaches will be on hand to offer them advice and tips on how to improve. Formal training is not enough for them to grow. They need more exposure in tournaments and we can offer that.”

    He added: “Hopefully, in the future, some academies in Kerala can visit Dubai and do a similiar programme with Kricket’s Spero.”

    Overseeing the coaching at Kricket’s Spero is Sony Cheruvathur, who will be one of four coaches teaching 30 students on a weekly basis.

    Mashood insists that number will grow as well as the academy brand.

    “We hope to have around 150 children in our academy in three months’ time,” he said. “After the UAE, we also have plans to launch Kricket’s Spero in other countries in the Middle East, possibly in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.”

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