Sharjah Cricket Council’s (SSC) women’s squad will get a chance to test themselves against Indian opposition in their first-ever overseas tour this week.
Twelve promising players will travel today to Guntur, India for an 1–day camp where they will play seven T20 matches against the Andhra Pradesh Cricket Association (APCA) state side in the Danube Cup.
During their visit, the cricketers, who were selected having impressed in trials, will be put through their paces over a series of training and fitness sessions under the watchful eye of APCA coaches.
Having enjoyed success on the domestic circuit, winning the inaugural Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) national tournament earlier this year, SSC team manager Manvi Dhodhi insists the camp is vital in developing their skills and knowledge on foreign conditions.
“The ECB have been very supportive in organising domestic cricket but we haven’t had a camp of this kind where they can just think about cricket,” she said, revealing it took seven months of planning having discussed the idea with Venkatapathy Raju (Asian Cricket Council development officer).
“Many of them still study or work so cricket is more of a hobby. With it being the summer holidays, it’s opened a window for them to go to India and just play cricket.
“The majority of the squad are involved in the UAE set-up and we’ve been playing mostly in the Gulf. Now we want to move on to the next level now. This is the only way we can improve and there’s no better place than India where cricket is played professionally.”
The team will be led by Charvi Bhatt and all-rounder described the tour as an important step in enhancing their game. “I’m really looking forward to this,” she said. “It will be learning curve for everybody and we’ve achieved a milestone by reaching this so far. This will be a new experience for everybody and it will be a very good tour.” Among her teammates will be Natasha Michael. Having played on Indian soil during her career, the all-rounder can’t wait to showcase her skills in Andhra Pradesh. “I think it will open everyone’s eyes to the level of cricket because we’ve been playing at a certain level for long time in the UAE”, she said. “But when you get exposure to India, it’s different because you see how people play. The conditions will be different to what we do over here it’s going to be a very good experience. I can’t wait for it and it’s definitely something I will hang on to and cherish.” Dhodhi added: “We are very thankful to the sponsors who have come on board for this tour and are really grateful.”
