Going Out: The brand new Al Ain Cricket Club is bowling them over

Denzil Pinto 08:29 17/01/2017
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  • Get in the net: A range of facilities are on offer for budding cricketers.

    Their first term proved to be a huge success with more than 30 people signing up following AACC’s launch in October 2016. And with the new programme running until May, there are plenty of chances to learn from Level Three coach and UAE assistant Shahzada Saleem and his team.

    “The opportunity of playing cricket in Al Ain was very difficult before Al Ain Cricket Club was launched,” said Afzal Pasha, cricket operations manager. “Now we have a facility here at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club which is part of the ECB’s vision in having some kind of cricket programme in Al Ain.

    “Since we opened in October, the number of people signing up have been very encouraging and although our second term has already started, there’s still time to register and receive top-quality coaching in a fantastic facility.”

    Depending on the category, classes, which vary between one-and-a-half hour and two hours, run from Tuesday to Saturdays.

    As well as the basics – fielding, bowling and batting, cricketers will also be taught the basic laws, umpiring signals and understand the importance of fitness.

    Expert guidance from the likes of UAE assistant Shahzada Saleem will be dished out.

    Expert guidance from the likes of UAE assistant Shahzada Saleem will be dished out.

    “It’s a lot more than cricket itself,” said Pasha. “All the programmes are fun and productive as for some of the younger ones, they will get to understand what it takes to be a cricketer. It will not just be all training, there will be opportunities to play games also.”

    And as part of their drive in attracting Emiratis to the sport, Pasha has revealed there are plans in place to offer free coaching.

    How to get invovled

    • What: Cricket coaching programmes
    • Where: Al Ain Cricket Club, Al Ain Equestrian Golf, and Shooting Club
    • When: On-going until May
    • Contact: 03 7026469 or email [email protected]

    “We will have free coaching for the local players and provide clothing, equipment and separate coaching for them,” he said.

    “We want to play our part in helping the country produce a number of Emirati cricketers in the UAE and plan to start the programme soon.

    “People should join as all the courses are delivered to the highest standard and use all the latest skills, drills and equipment currently used by professional cricketers.”

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