Delhi Daredevils sign up with G Force to develop UAE cricket

Denzil Pinto 11:37 29/04/2014
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  • Having signed a coaching initiative with Delhi Daredevils, Gopal Jasapara – head coach at Dubai’s G Force Cricket Academy – believes the partnership can play a big role in attracting more youngsters to the game.

    The initiative will see children as young as 10 years of age receive coaching from the Indian Premier League side during a five-day programme that will run from June across venues in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.

    “We have been in discussions for one year with Delhi Daredevils simply because they have a good coaching staff,” Jasapara told Sport360°.

    “They have Gary Kirsten (coach) and T.A Sekar and I believe this can help us develop cricket in the UAE. Also, it is a good learning curve for the children.

    “We want to see anyone who is keen to come and join the programme. At the end of the day this is a once in a lifetime opportunity as it’s very rare to receive coaching from an IPL side. Once we build this up, it’s going to be a very good coaching programme in the future.

    “We have already had the likes of Ramakant Achrekar, coach of batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, gracing our academy. Former West Indies captain Jimmy Adams is a brand ambassador with the Academy. But this tie-up with Delhi Daredevils will go a long way in nurturing talent here.”

    Although the schedule has yet to be finalised, including how many coaches from the IPL outfit will be in attendance, the clinics will consist of six hours of training – divided into two three hour sessions, over three age categories.

    Jasapara said the partnership will lead to the training camps initially being held six times a year.

    “Due to Delhi Daredevils playing in the IPL (this year), a schedule and coaching plan have not been confirmed. But I will be meeting with them in May to draw out a plan.

    “What I can say is that it is an open programme. It will be very beneficial to the UAE boys and whoever wants to join. It’s strictly not a G Force Academy-Delhi Daredevils programme. We are presenting it to everyone who wants to play and anyone from any academy can participate.”

    Asked why they chose Delhi Daredevils as opposed to any of the other IPL teams playing in the UAE, Jasapara replied: “Mr Sekar has known the G Force Cricket Academy before and it’s easy to work with people you know. 

    “He is a very good coach as he played for India and was a good fast bowler. And then there’s Gary Kirsten who took India and South Africa to the No1 rank in the world, and that’s the best option I could go for.

    “This is a huge opportunity for the youngsters as they will be getting first hand coaching tips from the top class Delhi Daredevils coaching team,” he said.

    “UAE has a huge potential to make a mark on world cricket map and I am sure that through this clinics we will be able to unearth talent that can go on to represent the country over the years.”

    Since 2004, former Saurashtra cricketer Jaspara has overseen G Force Cricket Academy which has trained over 1,000 players as well as organised many coaching programmes in UAE, India and England.

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