KSCA academy inaugurated

Operation to be extended to six cities

The Royal Challengers Karnataka State Cricket Academy, the State Cricket Association’s ambitious undertaking, formally commenced its operations on Monday. The occasion also marked the induction of the Cognitive Video-Based Coaching System, the cricket coaching technology, as part of its coaching programme by the KSCA.

Karnataka Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda, who faced a few deliveries from former India paceman Roger Binny, inaugurated the academy’s swanky office situated at the stadium premises.

The initial strength of the academy, including the existing players, would be 420 cricketers who have been drawn from all the 31 districts in the State and in the age-group of 14-19.

“Until now, there has been an over-emphasis on representation. We want to change that. We want players to be patient and understand that it’s about enhancing their skills first,” said former Indian paceman and KSCA Secretary Javagal Srinath while adding that the academy would shortly extend its operations to six second tier cities -- Mysore, Mangalore, Shimoga, Tumkur and Hubli.

‘Learning easy’

“Technology is not intimidating here,” noted Srinath. “It is not dictating terms. It is only making learning easy and simple.”

The UB Group, who will be supporting the academy, stressed that its involvement was going to be a long-term one.

Gowda, while recalling the presence of large number of players in the national squad in the past, hoped that KSCA President Anil Kumble and Srinath together will help the State revive its glory days.

“At one point, players from Karnataka made up half of the Indian team.
‘Glory days’
“I’m happy that Kumble, Srinath and others have now joined hands to help us return to the glory days. You can see it’s not just talk – they have actually implemented all this technology. I hope with this the academy will deliver good results.

“I have been told that they are going to take this training to second tier cities as well. I have told them that the government will give them any support they need. They’ve placed a few requests with us, that they need 50 acres of land in Chikballapur etc. We’ll help them as best we can,” he remarked.